Living Legends Series: Dr. Basil Ebiwolate Posigha: Championing the Advancement of Library and Information Science in Nigeria
Our living legend today is:
Dr. Basil Ebiwolate Posigha: Championing the Advancement of Library and Information Science in Nigeria.
By Prince Agbedeyi O. D. (+2348134902214)
In the evolving world of information technology and academic research, few names stand out as strongly as Dr. Basil Ebiwolate Posigha, a renowned scholar, researcher, and professional librarian. Currently an Associate Professor at the Nigeria Maritime University (NMU) in Okerenkoko, Delta State, Dr. Posigha has carved a niche for himself in the field of Library and Information Science, contributing immensely to knowledge dissemination, academic development, and the transformation of library services across Nigeria.
Born and raised in the Niger Delta, Ogbinbiri Community, Dr. Posigha has dedicated his career to the pursuit of excellence in education and information management. He obtained his Diploma, Bachelor's, Master's, and Ph.D. degrees in Library and Information Science, building a solid foundation for a career that now spans decades. His academic journey began at Niger Delta University (NDU) in Bayelsa State, where he served in the university library before transitioning into the teaching faculty. His dedication, intellectual rigor, and passion for research earned him recognition and a subsequent move to Nigeria Maritime University, where he continues to mentor the next generation of information scientists.
Dr. Posigha’s work addresses some of the most critical challenges in Nigeria’s educational and information landscape. His research focuses on academic library administration, public library outreach in rural communities, e-library development, institutional repository management, and the role of motivation in librarian performance. He is a strong advocate for the modernization of Nigerian libraries to meet international standards and better serve researchers, students, and the general public.
His scholarly contributions are widely recognized. Among his most cited works are:
-
“Nigeria Public Library Service to Rural Areas: Libraries in Niger Delta States” – a compelling study on the challenges and prospects of rural library access in underserved communities.
-
“The Use of the Library Catalogue by Undergraduate Students in Niger Delta University Library” – which examines the user experience and accessibility of library resources.
-
“Self-Efficacy and Motivation as Correlates of Job Performance Among Librarians in University Libraries in South South Nigeria” – highlighting human resource dynamics in academic institutions.
-
“Content Recruiting: Obstacle to Institutional Repository Development in University Libraries in Nigeria and South Africa” – a comparative study revealing systemic gaps in digital archiving and content management.
Dr. Posigha is a Certified Librarian of Nigeria (CLN) and a respected voice in academic circles. His work has been cited over 200 times in scholarly literature, a testament to his impact and relevance in global discussions on information access and education reform.
Beyond his academic credentials, Dr. Posigha is a thought leader and change agent committed to democratizing access to information. He regularly engages in conferences, policy advocacy, and professional mentorship, striving to make Nigerian libraries engines of national development and innovation.
As Nigeria continues to seek solutions for educational equity and digital transformation, the work of professionals like Dr. Basil Posigha remains crucial. Through his research, teaching, and leadership, he is helping to shape a future where information is not only accessible but also empowering.
Comments