On August 24, 1970, in the bustling city of Ibadan, Nigeria, a remarkable woman, Dr. Sowemimo Ronke Adekunmisi who would go on to leave a lasting impact on the world of academic librarianship was born (to Mr. Joseph O. Obadeyi and Mrs. Victoria E. Obadeyi, both of blessed memory).Today, her name is synonymous with excellence in the field of Library and Information Science.

Dr. Adekunmisi’s educational journey began at Bodija International School in Ibadan, Oyo State, for her nursery education and completed her primary education at Abadina Primary School, University of Ibadan. She then proceeded to Emmanuel College, Orita, UI, Ibadan, for her secondary education in 1980. Between September 1985 and June 1987, she furthered her studies at St. Louis Grammar School, Akure, Ondo State, where she studied science subjects. These experiences paved the way for her to pursue a Bachelor of Agriculture (B. Agric) with specialisation in Animal Production at Ogun State University (now Olabisi Onabanjo University, O.O.U.), which she completed between 1989 and 1994.

Her quest for knowledge led her to pursue a Master’s degree in Library, Archival and Information Studies at the University of Ibadan, which she completed in 1999. Driven by her passion for education and technology, she achieved a significant academic milestone in 2021, earning a PhD with a focus on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in School Media Programmes. This achievement cemented her expertise at the intersection of education and technology.

Since joining Olabisi Onabanjo University (O.O.U.) in 2000, she has held various key positions, including Gifts and Exchanges Librarian, Serials Librarian,Technical Services Librarian, and Collection Development Librarian. Her leadership has been instrumental in modernizing the university’s library, particularly through her efforts to digitize resources and train staff, resulting in a more dynamic and efficient library system. Dr. Adekunmisi’s influence extends across multiple areas of the university. She served on several important (over fifteen) committees, including the University Senate, the Academic Ceremonies Committee, and the Postgraduate School Management Board at OOU.

From 2009 to 2010, during her Sabbatical Leave appointment at the Osun State University, Dr. Adekunmisi made significant contributions to the development of the College of Agriculture Library, Ejigbo Campus. In just one year, she expanded the library’s collection to over 4,000 volumes of collection and implemented the automation systems, as well as efforts that ensured the successful accreditation of the college’s academic programmes. This accomplishment further solidified her reputation as an outstanding academic leader.            

Throughout her professional and academic career, Dr. Adekunmisi’s enthusiasm for learning and her deep understanding of information technology have fueled her substantial contributions to the academic world. By 2023, she had published more than 35 scholarly research articles in prominent journals, such as Library Herald, Gateway Library Journal,Library Philosophy and Practice, Mousaion, and International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) Journal,reaching readers in Nigeria, the United States, India, South Africa, and beyond.

Her research covers a wide range of topics, from collection development in Nigerian university libraries to the integration, useand marketing of multimedia in academic environments. One of her most groundbreaking contributions to knowledge is her 2021 PhD dissertation, titled,Media Literacy, Critical Thinking, and Creative Thinking as Determinants of Web 2.0 Competencies among Undergraduates in Ogun State, Nigeria, which provides valuable insights into how the new media influences learning and thinking abilities of university students.

Beyond her scholarly output, Dr. Adekunmisi played an integral role in transforming the libraries she has served. In 2023, her expertise and leadership were further recognised when she was appointed Acting University Librarian of her almata institution.In her role as Acting University Librarian, Dr. Adekunmisi led crucial resourceverification exercises for new university academic programmes, ensuring the institution’s compliance with the National Universities Commission standards. Her leadership was pivotal in securing the approval of 10 new academic programmes and the successful re-accreditation of already existing 21 academicprogrammes within five (5) months tenure of office.                                                            

Over the years, Dr. Adekunmisi’s unwavering dedication to librarianship and education has earned her numerous accolades and the admiration of her peers. Her impact extends beyond Olabisi Onabanjo University, as she is an active member of several professional bodies, including the Nigerian Library Association and the Librarians’Registration Council of Nigeria.

In February 2024, Dr. Adekunmisi was appointed University Librarian at the Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science, and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti (BOUESTI), Ekiti State, a fast-growing institution in Nigeria. Under her leadership, 42 out of 45 academic programmes were successfully accredited, while the remaining three were given interim approval. She has transformed librarianship at the institution, enhancing the job knowledge, skills, and attributes of the library personnel, and improving the academic and research competencies of both lecturers and students.

Dr. Adekunmisi’s influence extends beyond her institution. She has attended over 50 national and international conferences and is a respected reviewer for esteemed journals like Digital Library Perspectives, Information Development, and the Journal of Library and Information Science. She has served on more than eight university committees, including the University Senate, and She is a distinguished member of the BOUESTI Governing Council.

With more than 40 reputable publications (as at December, 2024), a distinguished career in academic service, and a forward-looking vision for the future of academic libraries in Nigeria, Dr. Adekunmisi continues to inspire and lead others. Her commitment to integrating technology into libraries has transformed the way students, researchers, and lecturers access information, ensuring that libraries remain a cornerstone of academic success and research excellence.

Dr. Sowemimo Ronke Adekunmisi is not just a librarian, she is a good pioneer, educator, and leader whose contributions will resonate throughout Nigerian academia for generations to come.

Dr. Sowemimo Ronke Adekunmisi is happily married to Dr. Adesina Afisu Adekunmisi, and the union is blessed with God-fearing and law-abiding children.