As part of efforts to deepen practical learning and foster academic collaboration, Higher National Diploma (HND) II students of the Department of Library and Information Science, Federal Polytechnic Offa (FEDPOFFA), undertook a field trip on Monday to the Muhammadu Buhari Library at Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete.
The visit was organized as a practical requirement for LIS 412 (Academic Library), a core course that explores the structure, services, and administration of academic libraries.
The Muhammadu Buhari Library, widely acclaimed as the best academic library in Nigeria and the second-best in West Africa, served as a fitting destination for the exposure trip.
Upon arrival, the students were received by a team of KWASU officials, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Jimba; the University Librarian, Prof. A.A. Salman, who is also a former lecturer at FEDPOFFA’s LIS Department; Dr. (Mrs) Florence Ajani, the Deputy University Librarian; and other senior members of the university’s library staff.
Leading the FEDPOFFA delegation were the institution’s Deputy Rector Academics, Dr. (Mrs) M.B. Aliyu; the Head of Department of Library and Information Science, Dr. Ahmed Yakub; and the course lecturer, Mr. Mahammoud Sulyman.
In her remarks, Dr. (Mrs) Aliyu expressed profound appreciation on behalf of the Polytechnic’s Governing Council, Rector Engr Dr Kamaru Oluwatoyin Kadiri, and entire management team to the KWASU library authorities for hosting the students and providing what she described as “an enriching resource exposé.”
She emphasized that such gestures of academic openness and partnership are pivotal to advancing the quality of education and professional competence among future librarians.
“This kind of collaboration doesn’t only benefit our students; it strengthens the synergy between institutions of higher learning in Kwara State,” Dr. Aliyu added.
During the tour, the students explored various sections of the Muhammadu Buhari Library, including the digital library, special collections, circulation unit, cataloguing department, and archives.
The KWASU librarians also took time to demonstrate modern technologies employed in the management of library resources, including their integrated library system, e-resources platforms, and digitization facilities.
The University Librarian, Prof. Salman, who was visibly delighted to welcome the students from his alma mater, encouraged them to uphold the ethics and standards of librarianship while taking advantage of every opportunity to learn and grow in the profession.
The field trip concluded with an interactive session where students asked questions and received insights into current trends and challenges in academic librarianship.
Students and staff alike described the visit as highly insightful, inspiring, and impactful, reinforcing the academic foundation laid in the classroom with real-world experiences from a top-tier academic library environment.
