Coal City University has announced the appointment of Mrs. Perpetual Ukwueze, a chartered Librarian, as the new University Librarian, effective January 1, 2021.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Afam Icha-Ituma who made the disclosure during the presentation of the new University Librarian (UL) to the University Management, explained that Mrs. Ukwueze’s is currently the College Librarian at African Community of Inquiry College of Education, Enugu.

During the event, the Vice-Chancellor congratulated Mrs Perpetua Ukwueze and welcomed her to Coal City University.
He charged the UL to build on the excellent legacy of the library to create an extraordinary future for this crucial academic resource to enable the University achieve its aspiration to become a world class University. The VC pointed out that the new librarian is expected to “bring to Coal City University deep expertise and a commitment to ensuring that the University library will continue to evolve to meet the changing needs of staff and students. The Libarian is particularly expected to bring innovative library services in support of education and scholarship”.

The Vice-Chancellor also used the opportunity to express appreciation to the Ag. University Librarian, Mr Stephen Ani, for his service to the University in that capacity. The VC pointed out that Mr. Ani “shepherded the Library through challenging times. The Library stands in a good shape as a result of the hardwork put in by all staff of the Library”.

In her appreciation remarks, Mrs. Ukwueze thanked the Vice-Chancellor and the University Management for the warm reception. She pointed out that the university library under her watch will balance a dedication to maintaining and increasing collections in electronic and hard copy formats with enhancing students meaningful use of library services.

The new Librarian brings to the UL position substantial leadership experience and a broad and forward-looking conception of the future directions of libraries. In her capacity as the Librarian at ATCOI, she built a digital library in close collaboration with members of staff. At the same time, she enhanced existing collections. She has expertise in setting up digital libraries and electronic access to materials and journals- essential issues facing University libraries in the internet age.

With a deep appreciation for how Coal City University library have evolved over the years, Mrs Perpetua is looking forward to building on all that her predecessors accomplished during her tenure as the University Librarian.

By Collins Azu