MR. E.O AKINSOJI

MLIS, B.Ed EWU/SOS, DLS

Mr Emmanuel Olukayode Akinsoji is a distinguished professional whose career has been characterized by a commitment to knowledge dissemination, innovation, and the enhancement of library services. Born on May 10th, 1964, at old Adeoyo area of Oyo State in Ibadan North Local Government, his passion for education and library science has driven his impactful journey. Emmanuel's academic foundation was established at the Holy Trinity Grammar School, Old Ife Road, Ibadan, where he completed his secondary education in 1983. Fueled by a drive to contribute to the field of library science, he pursued a Diploma in Library Science from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, from 1986. His unquenchable thirst for learning led him to the University of Calabar, where he earned a Bachelor of Education in Environmental Education/Social Studies in 2005. Not contented to rest on his laurels, he furthered his academic career by obtaining a Masters of Library and Information Studies (MLIS) from the University of Ibadan in 2014.

Emmanuel's professional journey began in 1990 when he was appointed as a Library Officer by the Oyo State Government to serve at the State Library Headquarters in Dugbe. His unwavering commitment to expanding library services and enriching user experiences propelled him into leadership roles. In 1995, he assumed the position of Head of Reader Services/Reference Library, where he leveraged his expertise to enhance access to information. His impact only grew as he took on the role of Head of the Governor's Office Library in 1996, showcasing his capacity to lead and innovate. Emmanuel's pioneering spirit came to the forefront when he established an ICT center for the Oyo State Library Board in 1997, effectively integrating technology into library services and ensuring broader access to information. His dedication to inclusivity and accessibility was further demonstrated by his establishment of the Braille Library Section for Visually Impaired users at the Oyo State Library Board Complex in collaboration with known as Nigerian an NGO in 2002.

Acknowledged for his expertise, Emmanuel was appointed as a member of the School Library Accreditation Team for the Oyo State Ministry of Education in July 2005. In 2009, he took on a pivotal role as the Leader of the Oyo State IT team, facilitating the development of Education Assessment programming software for Primary and Secondary Schools in Nigeria, a collaboration between the Nigerian Government and the World Bank. His impact resonated beyond libraries as he was seconded to the Oyo State College of Health Science and Technology, Eleyele, Ibadan, in 2015 as the Chief Librarian by the State Head of Service. This appointment underscored his capacity to lead and manage within diverse educational settings.

Beyond his professional achievements, Emmanuel's contributions extend to the enrichment of library collections. His assistance in sourcing free book donations covering various disciplines for the College Library in 2022 in collaboration with Book Aid International UK stands as a testament to his dedication to knowledge dissemination.
Emmanuel is also a published author, with two publications to his name. One of these publications was accepted for publication by the Journal of Library and Information Science Review at Imo State University, Nigeria, further solidifying his reputation as a thought leader in his field.
Emmanuel Olukayode Akinsoji's journey reflects a tireless dedication to education, innovation, and the enhancement of library services. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the institutions he has served and have inspired fellow professionals within and beyond the realm of library and information science.