By Sekyen Walshak
The University of Jos has inducted 182 graduates into the library profession at its first-ever oath-taking and induction ceremony for students of Library and Information Science, marking a historic development in the institution’s academic history.
The ceremony, held on March 3, 2026, at the Faculty of Management Sciences Auditorium, was conducted in collaboration with the Librarians’ Registration Council of Nigeria and themed “Professionalising in a Dynamic Society: Choices.”
The inductees included graduates from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University.Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Charles Onwochei, described the event as historic and a major contribution to strengthening professional standards in the country.
“At this ceremony, the University is presenting 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 urged the inductees to uphold the values and ethics of the profession, stressing that the oath affirms both competence and character.
“The oath you will take today is to affirm the knowledge, skills and attitude you have acquired. You are therefore admonished to abide by the rules and regulations guiding the library profession.”
In her remarks, the Dean, Faculty of Education, Prof. Grace Chollom, described the induction as a landmark achievement, noting that it was the first set of graduates in the discipline to be formally admitted into professional practice at the University.
“Today marks an important moment for you as pioneers of this process in the University. 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 adapt to the evolving information technology landscape and maintain global best practices.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Stephen Akintunde described induction as a social contract between professionals and society.
“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 on you,” he said.
He emphasised that librarians must move beyond traditional information retrieval to intelligent navigation and responsible dissemination of knowledge in a rapidly changing digital environment.
While administering the oath, the Registrar/Chief Executive Officer of the Librarians’ Registration Council of Nigeria, Amb. Ubandoma Wase, charged the inductees to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
He warned that violations of the profession’s code of ethics could attract sanctions, including suspension or withdrawal of licence, stressing that certification carries accountability.