University of Jos (UNIJOS) has inducted 182 graduates into the library profession in its first-ever oath-taking and induction ceremony for students of Library and Information Science, marking a major milestone in the institution’s academic history.
The ceremony, at the Faculty of Management Sciences Auditorium, was conducted in collaboration with the Librarians’ Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN). The total figure includes graduates from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, bringing the number of newly certified librarians to 182.
Vice-Chancellor of the University, Tanko Ishaya, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Pic Charles Onwochei, described the event as historic, noting that the university was proud to formally present its first set of graduates for professional induction.
“At this ceremony, the University is presenting one hundred and forty students for oath-taking and induction into the noble profession. The graduands have undergone rigorous training in theory and practice by a crop of dedicated lecturers,” he said.
He expressed confidence in the quality of the graduates, stating that they were well equipped to meet global standards and respond to emerging trends in the 21st-century information environment.
“The oath you will take today affirms the knowledge, skills and attitude you have acquired in the course of your training. You are therefore admonished to abide by the rules and regulations guiding the library profession,” he added.
The Dean, Faculty of Education, Grace Chollom, described the ceremony as a historic achievement for the faculty, being the induction of its first cohort of Library and Information Science graduates.
“Today marks a significant milestone for you as the first set of graduates. You are about to embark on a professional journey that involves preserving knowledge, managing information, and serving your communities,” she said.
Chollom charged the inductees to uphold the ethics of the profession and continually adapt to the evolving landscape of information technology.
“As professionals in Library and Information Science, you will play a vital role in shaping how information is accessed, organised and shared. As you go out to practise, ensure that you put in your best efforts in line with global best practices,” she stated.
Delivering the keynote address, Stephen Akintunde described induction as a social contract between the graduates and society, stressing that certification extends beyond academic accomplishment.
“Graduation is a rite of passage. Induction is also a rite of passage. It is a social contract between you and society. Society now has expectations of you,” he said.
He warned that the rapidly changing digital environment requires librarians to develop advanced competencies beyond traditional information retrieval.
“The challenge before you is to develop the necessary skill set appropriate for this era — not just to retrieve information, but to navigate it intelligently and dispense it responsibly to users,” he said.
Akintunde also emphasised adherence to professional ethics and continuous development, cautioning that failure to comply with established codes and standards could attract disciplinary measures.
While administering the oath, the Registrar/Chief Executive Officer of the Librarians’ Registration Council of Nigeria, Wase Ubandoma Wase, charged the inductees to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and ethical conduct in the discharge of their duties.
He stressed that certification by the council was not merely ceremonial but a statutory recognition that carries responsibility and accountability, warning that violations of the profession’s code of ethics could attract sanctions, including suspension or withdrawal of licence.
Wase reiterated the council’s commitment to strengthening registration, certification and licensing processes to safeguard the integrity of library practice in Nigeria.
The ceremony attracted academics, professional bodies, parents and well-wishers, formally ushering the inductees into professional practice.
