IMSU VC Urges Librarians To Promote Reading Culture
The Vice Chancellor of Imo State University (IMSU) Owerri, Professor Uchefula U. Chukwumaeze, has called upon librarians to spearhead initiatives aimed at fostering a robust reading culture within the country.
Professor Chukwumaeze made this appeal on Wednesday during a courtesy visit by the executives of the Nigerian Library Association (NLA), Imo State chapter, to his office.
Represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Professor Agnes Njoku, the Vice Chancellor emphasized the importance of prioritizing reading among Nigerians.
Professor Njoku remarked that individuals who engage in reading cannot be equated with those who do not.
She assured the association of the university’s cooperation and support.
The courtesy visit preceded the association’s first quarterly meeting, which was held at the university.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Nigerian Library Association (NLA) Imo State, Professor Basil Edom, expressed gratitude to the university management for appointing several librarians to key positions.
Professor Edom highlighted the appointees as Dr. Adaora Udo-Anyanwu (Coordinator, Faculty of Education, ICEP); Dr. Linda Uwandu (Deputy Director, Sports), and advocated for continued collaboration between the institution and the library body to advance literacy, research, and professional development.
Furthermore, Professor Edom encouraged librarians within the state to engage actively in the association’s national activities.
He underscored the necessity for increased investment in school libraries to enhance reading culture and facilitate access to information among students.
Prominent librarians in attendance included the Head of Department, Library and Information Science, IMSU, Dr. Ijeoma Mbagwu; the Chief Librarian of Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Professor Cajetan Onyeneke; the Permanent Secretary of the state Ministry of Information, Dr. Pauline Iwuagwu; and the Director of Imo State Library Board, Lady Amaka Onumara.
A significant focus of the meeting was the association’s deliberation on partnering with the Imo State Government to rejuvenate and establish a robust school library system throughout the state.
The meeting also featured the formation of the 2026 Library Week Committee.
