IAUE DONATES TO SIX SCHOOL LIBRARIES; SENDS FORTH RETIRED STAFF

As part of effort to promote reading culture and sensitization about library community services delivery and programmes, books worth millions of naira were on Wednesday 7th August 2013 donated to six school libraries within the University catchment area.
The Schools are University Demonstration Secondary School Ndele, Sea Shell Model Primary School Port Harcourt, Venerable Thompson Memorial Basic Secondary School Rumuolumeni Port Harcourt, Community Secondary School Rumuolumeni, Community Secondary School Ndele and Community Secondary School Oroworukwo Port Harcourt.
Presenting the books to the Principals and representatives of the six Schools, Vice-Chancellor of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Professor Rosemund Dienye Green – Osahogulu remarked that the donation is part of the University Community Service and urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the books.
Also speaking, the University Librarian, Dr. Boma Obi noted that the Vice Chancellor has been library friendly and has attracted to the University library enormous volumes of books in Sciences, Technology, English Literature, History and other Subjects, through her linkages with Bonny Community, Atlanta USA, Emeka Offor Book Aid and NEPAD. She said that the Vice-Chancellor also encouraged every Department in the Institution to start and own a library by facilitating acquisition of books which could metamorphose into faculty libraries in future.
Dr. Obi stated that the E-Library is also functional as some of the e’ subscription/databases have been made available to enhance information service delivery, referred to as modern library climate and has increased readership.
She further added that very soon with the Vice-Chancellor championing the course, the library will not only move into the “State of the art” automated library building but the University will also start the BLS ED Programme in the Faculty of Education, a programme which she affirmed is lacking in the whole State.
The Principal of University Demonstration Secondary School Ndele, Dr. Felicia Nmom on behalf of the beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the kind gesture and promised that the books will be used for the purpose for which they were given. The books donated to the six Schools are for various fields of study.
Meanwhile, a sent forth party was organised by the Library Department for five retired Staff of the Department same day at the old lecture hall.
The Staff are former College Librarian Mrs. Majigba Ateli, immediate past University Librarian Sir Kingsley Olumati, former Binder Mr. Bema Emmanuel, Mrs. Confidence Woko and Mr. Emmanuel Job a chief driver. In her speech, the chairman of the occasion and Vice-Chancellor of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education Professor Rosemund Dienye Green Osahogulu called on other units to emulate the initiative by the Library Department stressing that it is always a good thing to honour people who gave their best in service to humanity.
She expressed gratitude that the retirees are alive to witness the honour done to them and expressed hope that those still in service will also be remembered when they leave service.
The Vice-Chancellor who thanked them for honouring the invitation prayed God to continue to be with them.
The University Librarian Dr. Boma Obi in her address stated that the event is meant to recognise, acknowledge and appreciate the library Staff that had worked tirelessly and painstakingly and retired meritoriously. She welcome all to the gathering to show love and recognise mentorship and family in the library.
Dr. Boma Obi pointed out that under their tutelage many Librarians were trained with their mentorship skill spanning through academic and public Librarians in the State. She remarked t that it was a rare privilege working under these fine and erudite information managers and astute administrators who have left their footprints on the sand of time in the Librarianship.
Responding on behalf of the retirees the immediate past University Llibrarian, Sir Kingsley Olumati thanked the University for remembering to honourn them while they are still alive and said they will remain grateful. The event featured goodwill speeches and presentation of gifts.