Mountain Top University (MTU), Ogun State, has honoured its pioneer University Librarian, Dr (Mrs) Helen Olubunmi Jaiyeola Akinade, following her retirement after a decade of meritorious service and remarkable contributions to the University's growth and institutional development. At a retirement ceremony held on Thursday, 29 October 2026, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Elijah Ayolabi, formally conferred on her the title of MTU Ambassador in recognition of her pioneering role, dedication and invaluable service to the institution. The ceremony brought together the University Management, principal officers and staff to celebrate Dr Akinade's professional accomplishments, reflect on her enduring contributions and acknowledge the significant role she played in the University's formative years. The occasion also featured the presentation of several gifts by members of the University community as expressions of appreciation, goodwill and recognition of her years of dedicated service.
As one of the University's pioneer principal officers, Dr Akinade played significant roles in its formative years, contributing her professional expertise to the establishment of a functional and sustainable library system. Before her formal appointment as the pioneer University Librarian in 2016, she served as a consultant to the University, providing technical guidance and professional input towards the planning and development of the University Library. Upon her appointment, she undertook the responsibility of establishing the Library from the scratch, overseeing its organisational framework, administrative structures, information resources, collections and essential services. Through her professional competence, administrative experience and commitment to excellence, she laid a solid foundation for the Library's development into a vital academic resource supporting teaching, learning and research. Her pioneering efforts contributed significantly to strengthening the University's academic infrastructure and advancing its educational objectives.
Dr Akinade's academic background reflects her multidisciplinary intellectual interests and commitment to professional development. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Christian Religious Studies from the University of Ilorin, a Master's degree in Library Studies and a Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) in Applied Anthropology from the University of Ibadan, as well as a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Library and Information Science from Babcock University. She is a Chartered Librarian of Nigeria (CLN) and a Fellow of the Institute of Corporate Administration. Her professional career spans several decades, during which she served in various capacities at the National Library of Nigeria, Complete Communications Limited and the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, where she also served as Acting Medical Librarian. Her wealth of experience encompasses library administration, collection development, technical and reader services, information management and academic leadership. A committed scholar and professional, she has also contributed to the advancement of library and information science through research publications, conference participation, professional engagements and services on various university committees.
Beyond her professional engagements, Dr Akinade is a devoted Christian and a member of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), with her faith serving as an important influence on her personal values and approach to service. Speaking in recognition of her outstanding contributions, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Elijah Ayolabi, paid glowing tribute to Dr Akinade, acknowledging her invaluable role in the University's formative years and subsequent development. He reflected on the challenges and sacrifices that characterised the University's early beginnings, recalling the collective determination and commitment required of the pioneer management team to establish the institution and build its essential structures. Professor Ayolabi particularly commended her dedication, resilience and professional contributions, noting that her efforts helped to establish a solid foundation for the University's library services and academic development. He observed that the significance of pioneering service lies not only in the responsibilities undertaken but also in the enduring foundations established for those who follow.
In his tribute, he stated:
"It is often said that the footprints of those who blaze the trail become the pathways for generations to follow. This aptly captures the remarkable contributions of Dr (Mrs) Helen Jaiyeola Akinade, our esteemed Pioneer University Librarian, whose tenure represents an important chapter in the history and development of Mountain Top University.
"From the very beginning of her service, Dr Akinade distinguished herself through exceptional dedication, unwavering commitment, diligence and an admirable passion for institutional excellence. She embraced the challenges of pioneering leadership with remarkable courage, laying foundations upon which the University's library services and academic aspirations could flourish.
"Great institutions are not built by bricks and mortar alone, but by the sacrifices, vision and commitment of those who serve them. Dr Akinade exemplifies this timeless truth. Her pioneering contributions, professional expertise and steadfast service have left an enduring imprint on the University."
The Vice-Chancellor further expressed the University's profound appreciation for her invaluable contributions, emphasising that her retirement provides an opportunity to celebrate not merely the years she devoted to the institution but also the quality of her service, the values she demonstrated and the legacy she leaves behind. On behalf of the Management and the entire University community, Professor Ayolabi wished her divine favour, sound health, renewed strength, fulfilment and greater accomplishments in the next chapter of her life. He described her as a pioneer who served with passion and distinction, leaving behind a legacy worthy of celebration.
In a separate tribute, the wife of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Christiana Ayolabi, celebrated Dr Akinade's decade of dedicated service, describing her as an exceptionally organised, knowledgeable and dependable professional whose contributions had significantly enriched the University's academic environment. She acknowledged her commitment to the effective management and development of the University Library, noting that her responsibilities extended beyond the conventional administration of books and other information resources to creating an enabling environment for intellectual development, academic engagement and knowledge acquisition.
Professor Ayolabi remarked:
"Ten years may seem like a number, but for you, it was ten years of dedication, knowledge, order and quiet impact. You did not just manage books; you managed minds. You built a place where students found answers, teachers found resources, and everyone found peace.
"As the pioneer Librarian, you were exceptionally organised, knowledgeable, ever-helpful and always willing to go the extra mile. You made the Library more than a room with shelves; you made it the heart of the University. Your professionalism, your calm disposition and your commitment to excellence will remain a standard for those coming after you."
Beyond highlighting her professional accomplishments, Professor Ayolabi also reflected on the cordial personal relationship she had shared with Dr Akinade, describing her as a dear friend, sister, confidant and source of wisdom. She expressed appreciation for her kindness, humility and motherly counsel, which she noted had positively impacted her family and many others. Also paying tribute to the outgoing University Librarian, the Registrar, Mr Olufemi Oyewole, commended her professionalism, dedication and contributions to the University's institutional advancement. Reflecting on their working relationship since he joined the University in 2019, he described his experience of working alongside her as rewarding, particularly in view of her commitment to the University's academic objectives.
He specifically highlighted her contributions to the development of specialised library facilities for the University's Nursing Science and Medical Laboratory Science programmes, noting that her professional input strengthened the provision of relevant academic resources to support teaching, learning and research in these specialised disciplines. The Registrar also acknowledged her contributions to accreditation exercises, explaining that her involvement was valuable in supporting the University's efforts to meet the academic and professional standards required for programme accreditation.
In his tribute, Mr Oyewole stated:
"As the pioneering University Librarian, she played important roles in the University's institutional development, contributing to the growth of its library services and the advancement of its academic mission.
"Among her notable contributions has been her significant role in the establishment of academic programmes, especially her support in the development of the Nursing Science and Medical Laboratory Science libraries, thereby strengthening the University's capacity to provide specialised library resources for teaching, learning and research in these critical health science disciplines."
Mr Oyewole further acknowledged the cordial professional relationship they maintained as principal officers, particularly the cooperation, mutual understanding and shared commitment that characterised their interactions on various institutional assignments. He also expressed appreciation for the warm personal relationship he enjoyed with Dr Akinade and her family, describing it as a valuable connection that extended beyond their official responsibilities. He noted that her pioneering service, contributions to the development of the University Library and commitment to the University's academic objectives would remain an important part of the institution's history.
The retirement ceremony provided an opportunity for members of the University's Management, principal officers and staff to share their professional and personal experiences with Dr Akinade over the years. Several members of the University community recounted their positive encounters with her, commending her dedication, professionalism, cordial disposition and commitment to duty. They also offered prayers and goodwill messages, wishing her continued success, good health and fulfilment in retirement.