Lens Polytechnic LIS Department Hosts Symposium, Discusses Information Services In Industrial Revolution Era

The Library and Information Science Department of Lens Polytechnic Offa has held a symposium to expose the students to current trends and evolving practices in the field.

The symposium titled “Information Services in the Industrial Revolution Era, was held on Thursday May 1 2025 at the Polytechnic Mini Campus.

In his opening address, the Head of Department of Library and Information Science and the Polytechnic Librarian, Mr. Sheriff Banuso thanked the guests speakers for honouring the invitation. He noted that the symposium is organised to expose the students to the current trends in information services in industrial revolution era. He therefore admonished the students to utilise the opportunity to update their knowledge in the field of Library and Information Science.

Speaking on the theme, the keynote speaker, Dr. Patrick Ojo elaborated on Library and Information Science as a course and sensitized the students on various career opportunities beyond cataloging.

According to him, “Don’t limit yourself to sitting down and cataloging alone; there are many other things you can do. A library is more than just information — it preserves knowledge too. There’s no area where a librarian doesn’t fit in,” he said.

He further encouraged students to take pride in their profession and never feel ashamed of their course, describing it as one of the most impactful fields when it comes to securing records.

“Information Science can function beyond the traditional library setting, and we are trained to venture into any field of our choice,” he stated.

He concluded by urging the students to be prepared for opportunities, stating, “What you study does not limit you — you are the only one who can limit yourself.”

Also speaking, Mr. Mahmood Sulaiman, who represented Mr. Joel Afolayan, highlighted how the Industrial Revolution transformed library services.

He noted that services can now be rendered without being physically present in the library, as the Industrial Revolution has reshaped the workforce. He encouraged students to foster knowledge for progress and positive change.

In their separate goodwill messages, Mr. Bamidele Benjamin from Kwara State College of Health Technology and the Examination Officer of Lens Polytechnic, Mr. Adetunji Mubarak urged students to equip themselves with relevant skills. They commended the guest speakers for insightful lectures and tutelage.

Giving a vote of thanks, the Registrar, Mr. Hammed Sarafa Olalekan lauded the LIS department for organising the symposium to enrich students knowledge while the Dean School of Art and Information, Mrs Kehinde Adeniran appreciated the school management for creating enabling environment for teaching, learning and research.

Other management staff present are Deputy Vice Chancellor of Lens University, Mr. Dunmoye Akeem, Chief Compliance Officer, Mr. Nasif Agbolahan, Head, Lens Polytechnic Cooperative Society, Mr. Abdulhakeem Olarinoye, Head of Department of Mass Communication, Mr. Adedimeji Lukman among others.