To understand how exciting this is, we will share a story that is over 7 years old. To my friend Ugochukwu, the library was his favorite place. He would read at every chance he gets, no party, no football, no hangout, just living his ‘library life’ and I envied him a lot.
This is the reason – libraries for me back then were a hassle; they were always understocked when it came to the valuable books. If then was now, I am sure my regular phrase would be ‘I cannot can’.
Back to Ugochukwu, he was loyal, he would wait in line just to make sure he was next to get the resource material. Sometimes, he would fall sick because he sometimes overstretched himself. This efiko, as far as I knew, never backed down. This is why it was a case of mixed emotions for me when the MTN foundation decided to revamp the Obafemi Awolowo Library with a digital upgrade. I was sad and happy at the same time. Funny right?
It’s simple, if people like Ugochukwu had opportunities, it would have lessened the burden on him and reduced his constant visit to the clinic. For people like me, who knows? Maybe my grades could have been way better so I am a bit jealous of the OAU students whose library got a digital makeover. The MTN Foundation took did this in commemoration of the 80th birthday of its Chairman, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, OFR, mni. I mean, what other way to celebrate a philanthropist than practicing what he preaches, and in his name too. Fancy, isn’t it?
I was lucky to witness the official handover ceremony from the MTN Foundation Chairman to the school’s Vice-Chancellor, Eyitope Ogungbenro Ogunbodede. it was a virtual event where actress Dakore Egbuson-Akande and the famous Hafeez ‘Saka’ Oyetoro came through as hosts, with stories of their university days and different experiences from living the library life back then. See me ranting about an experience from seven years ago, when people like Saka had a bank of library horror series. Inside gist – forget all the funny faces Saka makes on TV. He is an ‘efiko’ for life.
When COVID-19 decides to give students a huge break. I am sure OAU students will be the happiest of them all. After all, their study schedule just got better and who doesn’t like an upgrade.
