As FULafia holds library symposium, V-C urges students, lecturers to embrace E-learning

The Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Lafia (FULafia), Professor Shehu Abdul Rahman, has urged staff and students to embrace E-learning.

The vice-chancellor made the call during a library symposium in the University with the theme: “Library and Information Service Provision in an E-learning Environment.”

The event took place at the Faculty of Agriculture Auditorium in the Permanent Site Campus of the University.

The vice-chancellor, representated by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Professor, Ali Shugaba, said that “innovation in 21st century cannot thrive without technology,” adding: “It is imperative for all units and departments of the University to key in to new trends for effective service delivery.”

He described library as an important resource in the university system, pointing out, however, that with the emergence of E-learning, there would be increase in access, quality and efficiency of resources and research for the betterment of students, staff and universities’ communities.

In his welcome address, the chairman of the occasion, the University Librarian of FULafia, Dr Abiodun Iyaro, said the maiden symposium was timely as it was aimed at providing library users effective access to services and help them keep abreast with the new trends.

He said: “Information availability through different channels is fast becoming part of our everyday life by way of its provision and utilisation through multiple electronic devices.”

Iyoro thanked Abdul Rahman for providing the needed resources for the success of the programme, urging the participants to explore the new trends and their roles in enhancing access to quality education.

In their presentations, Dr. Ayodele John Alonge from University of Ibadan and Professor Zakari Mohammed from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, enumerated the advantages of E-Learning to include expanding access to resources, enhancing research capabilities, virtual reference services, information literacy and digital skills and collaboration and engagement.

They listed problems hindering E-learning to include cyber security, power supply, funding, policies, digital literacy, skills of the lecturers and enabling environment.

The event was well attended by principal staff, lecturers, staff and students of FULafia.