From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
A Professor of Information Science, Prof. Ezra Shiloba Gbaje has called on the federal government to establish Nigerian National Centre for Digital Preservation (NNCDP) for monitoring and conduct of researches on digital preservation in Nigeria.
Prof. Gbaje who made the call in his Inaugural Lecture: “Beyond Digitization: Access and Preservation” presented at the 13th Federal University Lokoja (FUL) Inaugural Lecture series stressed the need for a “unified National digital preservation policy and implementation strategies” that would address identified lapses.
The Information Scientist suggested in his Policy Principle Statement, that the Centre, which is expected to function as a parastatal, would have the mandate and commitment to digital object preserved at the Nigerian National Information Centres are accessible for re-use in the short and long-term
Prof. Gbaje also called for he modification and re-designed of the Open Archival Information System (OAIS) reference model for the preservation of digital objects using appropriate computer hardware and Dspace Open Source Software.
He pointed out that Government of Nigeria over the past two decades had formulated and promoted many initiatives and policies that encourage the use of digital technology in almost every facet of human endeavour.
The aim, according to him, is to ensure that Information Technology resources are readily available to promote efficient national development and provide enabling environment for data protection and data utility.
“I wish to state that, no digital preservation policy has been put in place to ensure that the growing digital objects created as a result of a shift to digital information systems are preserved for long-term accessibility and re-use. asserted.”
“There must be active intervention to make sure that the digital objects stored in storage media can be located accessed and used over a long term period.”
Proff. Gbaje pointed out that Fake News was now rampant because of improper information preservation procedures saying that when put in proper perspective, systems would begin to reject fake news on their own.
Earlier, The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Lokoja, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi described Inaugural Lectures as a testament to the unwavering dedication to the dissemination of knowledge and the pursuit of intellectual growth.
He pointed out that the thought-provoking title speaks volumes about the ever-evolving landscape of digital technology and the challenges it poses to us as a custodians of knowledge.
“Professor Gbaje’s selection as the distinguished lecturer for this prestigious event is a testament to his remarkable contributions to the field, commitment to advancing knowledge, unwavering commitment to research, teaching, and the pursuit of academic excellence.”
“We gather here not only to celebrate his accomplishments but also to learn from his vast knowledge and experience.”
According to him the 13th Inaugural lecture serves as a platform to foster meaningful discussions, exchange ideas, and encourage interdisciplinary collaboration.
