Who is Dr Samuel Oke Ogunniyi? Here are 10 things to know about the new AAUA University Librarian, his academic qualifications, career, achievements and appointment. Oluwaseyi Elizabeth Jimoh Reports.

 

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT DR SAMUEL OKE OGUNNIYI, NEW AAUA UNIVERSITY LIBRARIAN

 

Dr Samuel Oke Ogunniyi has been appointed the substantive University Librarian of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, for a five-year tenure commencing in November 2026.

His appointment has attracted congratulations from the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Dr Isiaka Tunji Adelabu, who described it as recognition of Ogunniyi’s professional competence, academic achievements and contributions to librarianship.

Ogunniyi is an Associate Professor, academic administrator and professional librarian with extensive experience in library and information science, public service, teaching, research and information management.

Here are 10 things to know about Dr Samuel Oke Ogunniyi, the new AAUA University Librarian.

1. He Is the New Substantive University Librarian of AAUA

Dr Samuel Oke Ogunniyi has been appointed the substantive University Librarian of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State. His five-year tenure is scheduled to commence in November 2026.

In his new role, he is expected to provide leadership for the university’s library services and support teaching, research and academic development.

2. He Was Born in Ondo State

Ogunniyi was born on August 1, 1965, in Ute, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State. He hails from Ondo North Senatorial District.

His career spans several decades of service in education, librarianship, cultural documentation and knowledge management.

3. He Began His Career in Public Service in 1984

Ogunniyi began his professional career in 1984 with the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC). His early experience in public service helped establish his background in documentation and information organisation.

He was recognised as the council’s Best Documentation Staff in 1991 and 1992.

4. He Holds a PhD in Library and Information Studies

Ogunniyi obtained his Diploma, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Library and Information Studies from the University of Ibadan.

He also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Education from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

His doctoral thesis received the Professor M. I. Ajibero Award for Best PhD Thesis in Nigerian Library Schools for the 2015/2016 period.

5. He Received International Recognition in the Netherlands

In recognition of his professional development and contributions, Ogunniyi received the Gustav Hofmann Study Grant in the Netherlands in 1993.

The award formed part of his wider record of professional engagement and commitment to the library and information science field.

6. He Rose Through the Ranks in Academic Librarianship

Ogunniyi joined Adeyemi College of Education, now Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo, in 2007.

During his career at the institution, he progressed through the professional ranks from Librarian I to Chief Librarian and later rose to the rank of Associate Professor.

His areas of responsibility and professional interest include cataloguing, classification, knowledge organisation and digital resource management.

7. He Was the Pioneer Polytechnic Librarian at Federal Polytechnic Ayede

Before his appointment at AAUA, Ogunniyi served as the pioneer Polytechnic Librarian at Federal Polytechnic Ayede.

The Rector, Dr Isiaka Tunji Adelabu, commended him for laying an important foundation for the development of the institution’s library services and academic information resources.

Adelabu also praised Ogunniyi’s professionalism, experience and commitment during his service at the polytechnic.

8. He Has Extensive Research and Publication Experience

Ogunniyi’s scholarly interests cover cataloguing and classification, library resource management, information organisation, user education and the application of information and communication technology in libraries.

He has authored and co-authored books, journal articles and monographs, while also contributing chapters to academic books and other scholarly publications.

His research addresses issues including information management, reading culture, technology adoption in libraries and improvements in library service delivery.

9. He Belongs to Professional Regulatory and Library Associations

Ogunniyi is a registered member of the Nigerian Library Association (NLA), the Librarians’ Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN) and the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN).

He also serves as Chairman of the Ondo State Chapter of the Nigerian Library Association.

His professional affiliations reflect his involvement in the development and regulation of librarianship and education in Nigeria.

10. He Is Married With Four Children

Beyond his professional career, Ogunniyi is married to Mrs Esther O. Ogunniyi, and their union is blessed with four children.

His career combines public service, academic research, library administration and professional association leadership.

In a statement issued by the Acting Director of the Centre for Information, Communication and Public Relations (CICPR), Mr Sunday Adepoju, the Rector expressed confidence that Ogunniyi would bring his experience, dedication and leadership skills to his new position.

Ogunniyi’s appointment marks a new chapter in his career in academic librarianship, with his experience in library management, research and information organisation expected to inform his responsibilities at Adekunle Ajasin University.