VC Commends Librarian on World Book Day Celebration
The 2026 World Book Day celebration commenced on March 3, 2026, with the Vice-Chancellor of Ajayi Crowther University, Prof. Ebunoluwa Olufemi Oduwole, urging students and staff to make it a habit to visit the library and read a book each time they do so.
The three-day event, themed “Reading for Pleasure,” features activities such as radio broadcasts, a library open day, book and publication exhibitions and other activities.
In attendance at the opening ceremony were members of the university library staff, heads of departments and faculties, the University Librarian and initiator of the programme, Dr. Abosede Ajiboye; the Bursar, Dr. Ayodele Olusanwo; the Registrar, Dr. Bode Olofinmuagun; and the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Oduwole.
While officially declaring the celebration open, Prof. Oduwole commended the Librarian, describing her as highly resourceful and innovative, with a strong commitment to improving library services for the benefit of all users.
She noted that the Librarian consistently inspires the university management to support initiatives within the library through her innovative ideas. The VC stated that reading should go beyond academic requirements but also serve as a tool for personal development.
She said, “The Librarian makes the university management do a lot of good things for the libraray because she is never tired of coming up with innovative ideas.
“We need to read not only because we are in school but for personal development. In Ajayi Crowther University, we are committed to life and that is why we are spending so much ane we will continue to do so and buy books.”
She reminded the deans present that all academic programmes had recently been directed to acquire at least 200 up-to-date books, not merely for accreditation purposes but to strengthen academic quality, urging them to carry out this responsibility while adding that the Librarian would monitor compliance.
She said, “Recently we asked all programs in the University to get at least 200 up-to-date books not just for accreditation. I want to use this opportunity to remind our deans of this task. The librarian will follow up on this.
“I want to thank God for the innovation that the librarian has brought into the library system, among them is the library café. During my interview before I was made Vice-Chancellor, the idea of library café is one of the visions I mentioned to the panel. The University of Ibadan has a similar thing for postgraduate students.
“Well are proud of what is going on in the library and we will continue to support the TY Danjuma Library. Today, I want to challenge everyone to visit the library, pick up a book, either physical or e-copy and read. I celebrate the library on the World Book Day and wish them the best.”
In her remarks, the University Librarian explained that the book exhibition, which is one of the major highlights of this year’s World Book Day celebration, would run for three days and cover all faculties on campus, including the Offa-Meta campus.
She added that significant investments had been made in acquiring books during the accreditation processes for faculties such as Nursing and Basic Medical Sciences, noting that students of Ajayi Crowther College would be included in the exhibition activities, particularly SS3 students who are transitioning from secondary school to university education.
She said, “We spent so much money to acquire books during accreditation process for the Faculty of Nursing, Basic Medical Sciences and so on. We are also going to capture students in Ajayi Crowther College because the SS3 students are one leg in the university and one leg coming out of secondary school.”
