By Ali Hope

The University Librarian of Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Dr. Uzoamaka Ogwo, has outlined significant infrastructural and digital advancements achieved within her first year in office, attributing the library’s turnaround to the active support of the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof Aloysius-Michaels Okolie

Speaking in an interview with ESUT Monitor in her office on Thursday on the operational state of the Library, Dr. Ogwo described her initial 12 months as a period of strategic learning, growth, and structural renewal despite initial hurdles.

According to the Librarian, her immediate priority upon assuming office in 2025 was establishing basic institutional visibility, noting that the building lacked basic signage and identity

“The Vice Chancellor approved the installation of a proper signpost to make the library easily identifiable to students, lecturers, visitors, and new users. That was the first key strategic action I under took on assumption of office,” Dr. Ogwo revealed.

Detailing environmental improvements, Dr. Ogwo explained that the surrounding grounds were cleared after university management deployed heavy equipment to clean the premises, creating a safer learning environment for refreshing reading adventure. .

Addressing infrastructural upgrades, the University Librarian stated that long standing defects were systematically repaired ahead of the university’s recent academic accreditation exercises. She highlighted that leaking roofs and ceilings were mended, damaged reading carrels and floor tiles restored, and safety handrails installed.

In the area of technological development, Dr. Ogwo announced the deployment of a web based Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC), enabling remote access to academic resources across the globe.

“We have been able to develop a robust digital library system that one can access from any part of the globe,” Dr. Ogwo stated, explaining that students can now browse books, journals, and databases from their hostels or off campus locations.

She further disclosed that internet infrastructure was installed inside the building, granting users access to global academic repositories like ProQuest and Research4Life.

To solve persistent power outages, Dr. Ogwo disclosed that the university management installed a 30KVA solar power system, effectively ending reliance on generators.

“The installation of the solar power system has provided the University Library with a dependable and environmentally friendly alternative source of electricity, ensuring uninterrupted power supply for critical library services. The system now supports the continuous operation of computers, internet facilities, wireless networks, digital library platforms, the Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC), institutional repository services, lighting, and other essential electronic infrastructure within the library

“You can come to the library, you have light from morning till night, 24/7 there is light in the library,” she affirmed, calling the continuous power supply “a very big plus” for the institution and appreciated the management for its support.

Linking these upgrades to academic results, Dr. Ogwo emphasized that management’s backing directly contributed to ESUT’s recent accreditation success, where 20 out of 21 assessed programmes secured full approval, achieving a 99.9 percent pass rate.

Outlining ongoing challenges, the Librarian pointed to limited funding, personnel shortages due to retirements and deaths, and the need for complete environmental landscaping.

However, Dr. Ogwo expressed optimism that management would act on a pending landscaping proposal and appealed to the students to utilize the upgraded services.

“I want to express my gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor and his management team for their support. He is a lover of the library and has done everything we have requested. Providing solar power was a game changer for us as well as the internet connectivity.

“I want to appeal to the students to make the Library their second home. Readers, they say, are leaders. What differentiates you from your fellow students is basically on the informational available to you. Library registration is free, so why would they not access the facility? If not because of the students, we will not be here,” Dr. Ogwo noted, urging students to register and maximize the physical and digital research tools provided for their academic growth.