-Dr. Ayodele John Alonge

Introduction

Dr. Ayodele John Alonge is an accomplished scholar, educator, and information professional with over 18 years of extensive experience across multiple disciplines, including communication, library science, publishing studies, and archival and records management. His academic journey and career have been characterized by a commitment to utilizing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to enhance educational practices, bridge theoretical concepts with practical applications, and achieve organizational objectives.

Guided by his foundational philosophy, Dr. Alonge defines education in May 2019 as follows:

“Education is the measured and systematic process of leading the human mind and soul to the best information that is capable of leading to an effective performance of necessary tasks, thereby, creating lifelong skills, experience, or satisfaction.”

Ayodele-John-Alonge-Edcuation-defination.

This definition underpins his teaching philosophy and pedagogical methods, which emphasize engaging students in ways that foster lasting skills, build practical experience, and ultimately lead to a fulfilling and informed life.

Dr. Alonge lecturer in the Department of Library, Archival, and Information Studies at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria (on leave of absence). He is also a visiting scholar at Karatina University, Kenya, and a Digital Transformation Researcher at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Netherlands. His role at Karatina University includes serving as the Editor-in-Chief for the Interdisciplinary Journal of Contemporary Research in Information and Communication (IJCRIC) and convening the International Conference on AI and Sustainable Knowledge Systems (ICSKS 2025).

His contributions extend beyond academia to significant roles in professional and volunteer settings, where he spearheads the development of innovative library projects, particularly focusing on green library initiatives, and provides consultancy services on emerging technologies in the library and information science field.

Pedagogical Expertise

Dr. Alonge’s pedagogical expertise is deeply rooted in his diverse experiences and continuous professional development. He is known for his ability to foster active, collaborative, and experiential learning environments. His teaching philosophy involves the integration of ICT and innovative pedagogical techniques to enhance student learning outcomes and ensure that students are prepared to meet the demands of the evolving information landscape.

Active and Collaborative Learning

Dr. Alonge employs a variety of active and collaborative learning strategies, including hands-on activities, group work, and practical assignments that allow students to engage deeply with course content. His emphasis on experiential learning ensures that students can apply theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts, enhancing their skills and preparing them for professional practice.

Integration of ICT in Education

With over 18 years of experience in ICT, Dr. Alonge integrates technology into all aspects of his teaching and research activities. He has successfully leveraged digital tools to enhance both learning and information management, and he actively conducts ICT training sessions for academic staff and students to foster digital literacy and improve technology-enhanced learning practices.

Teaching Experience

Current Positions:

• Lecturer & Researcher, University of Ibadan, Nigeria (On Leave of Absence):
  • Pedagogical Expertise: Utilizes diverse teaching methods, including ICT integration, to foster engaging, active, and collaborative learning environments.
  • Teaching and Assessment: Engages students with effective teaching strategies for both theoretical and practical contexts, evaluates their performance, and monitors their academic growth and progress.
• Visiting Scholar, Karatina University, Kenya:
  • Courses Taught: INS 815 (C) – Introduction to Ethics & Policy, and Information Literacy.
  • Conference Leadership: Leads the International Conference on AI and Sustainable Knowledge Systems (ICSKS 2025).
  • Editorial Role: Editor-in-Chief for IJCRIC.
• Digital Transformation Researcher, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Netherlands:
  • Project Management: Oversees service design projects and digital transformation research, applying design thinking methodologies.
  • Storytelling and Communication: Utilizes storytelling techniques to convey insights and enhance engagement among stakeholders.

Past Positions:

• Librarian (Visiting Scholar), University of Groningen, Netherlands (2023-2024):
  • Managed special collections, focusing on acquisition, cataloging, preservation, and digitization.
  • Provided research support and facilitated access to special collections for scholars.
• Emerging Technology Librarian, University of Ibadan, Nigeria (2013-2018):
  • Enhanced library services and information access through the integration of emerging technologies.
  • Conducted ICT training sessions for academic staff and students, promoting digital literacy.
• National Communication Analyst, Nigerian Library Association (2017-2021):
  • Enhanced the communication mission through effective digital communication strategies.
  • Developed and managed social media strategies to support organizational growth and outreach.

Courses Taught:

Undergraduate Courses:

• LIS 101: Introduction to Library, Archives, and Information Studies
• LIS 103: Introduction to Information Technology
• LIS 411: Evaluation of Library, Archives, and Information Services
• LIS 412: Entrepreneurship in Library, Archival, and Information Studies
• UCC 100: Information Literacy
• MAC 323: Photojournalism
• MAC 233: Computer Applications for Media
• GST 121: Use of Library, Study Skills & ICT

Postgraduate Courses:

• LIS 712: Information Technology in Library Information Centres
• ARM 704: Digital Curation for Information Professionals
• ARM 713: Automation in Archives and Records Management
• MPC 707: Computer Application in Publishing
• MPC 712: Issues in Electronic Publishing
• CLA 710: Digital Journalism
• OIM 704: Emerging Information Technology
• LAC 716: Current Trends in Communication Technology
• OIM 903: Information Technology Management Cases
• CIPR Diploma: Digital Communication

Supervision and Mentorship

Dr. Alonge has successfully supervised numerous undergraduate and postgraduate research projects, demonstrating his ability to mentor and guide students in their academic journeys. His supervision portfolio includes:

• 22 Undergraduate Projects Supervised
• 15 Master’s Projects Supervised
• 3 Ongoing Ph.D. Projects (as of May 2024)

Research Interests and Contributions

Dr. Alonge is actively involved in translating research into practical applications, particularly in areas of digital records curation, archival management, and information ethics. His research interests include:

• Digital Records Curation and Preservation: As an expert in archival science, Dr. Alonge’s work emphasizes the importance of integrating modern technologies into archival practices to enhance accessibility, management, and preservation.
• Health Information and Communication: He has led several health communication research projects, including studies funded by the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA), focusing on HIV awareness through Nollywood movies and other innovative communication channels.
• Green Library Initiatives: In his role as Project Director of the Afrelib Green Library Project, Dr. Alonge leads a team dedicated to implementing sustainable library practices and advancing green library standards.

Contributions to Professional Development and Service

• Conference Leadership: Dr. Alonge has played a crucial role in organizing several high-profile conferences, such as the International Conference on AI and Sustainable Knowledge Systems (ICSKS 2025).
• Special Collections Management: During his tenure as a visiting scholar at the University of Groningen, Dr. Alonge curated special collections, focusing on rare materials, their acquisition, cataloging, preservation, and accessibility.
• Social Media and Digital Communication: Dr. Alonge has developed digital communication strategies for various organizations, enhancing public engagement and promoting library services.

Professional Training and Certifications

• Digital Records Curation Programme (DRCP), University of Botswana (2019)
• Data Science for Information Professionals Summer School, Western University, Canada (2024)
• Carnegie CPD Programme, University of Pretoria (2015)

Dr. Alonge’s dedication to continuous professional development is reflected in his participation in advanced training programs and his role in organizing professional development workshops for academic and library staff.

Administrative Experience and Community Engagement

• Membership Coordinator, Gideons International (Netherlands): Coordinates membership activities and ensures engagement.
• Chair, Computer Committee, Faculty of Education, University of Ibadan (2021-2022): Oversaw ICT integration and emergency remote learning initiatives.
• Business Manager, Nigerian Journal of Library and Information Science: Manages editorial activities to maintain quality scholarly output.

Publications and Research Outputs

For a comprehensive list of Dr. Alonge’s publications, including chapters in books, articles in refereed conference proceedings, and journal articles, please visit Publication List.

Conclusion

Dr. Ayodele John Alonge is a distinguished educator, researcher, and professional with a deep commitment to fostering learning environments that are collaborative, technologically integrated, and focused on student success. His philosophy of education, which he defines as the structured process of guiding the mind and soul to transformative information that cultivates lifelong skills and fulfillment, underpins his approach to teaching and mentorship. His expertise in library science, archival management, and digital transformation, combined with his extensive experience in teaching, mentorship, and project leadership, position him as a leading figure in the field of information science. Dr. Alonge’s work continues to make significant contributions to the advancement of library and archival practices, the integration of ICT in education, and the development of sustainable information management systems