Group photo at the VC Conference Room
Wikimedia affiliates in Nigeria donate audiovisuals to Ajayi Crowther University. The Wikimedia User Group Nigeria and the Yoruba Wikimedians User Group have jointly donated educational audiovisual resources to Ajayi Crowther University. The material was jointly presented to the Vice Chancellor of the University at the university’s main campus in Oyo State, Nigeria.
The materials donated include audiovisual recordings of languages that are going extinct and the audiovisual recording of indigenous vocations that are at risk of extinction due to the advent of technology. These materials were recorded from different parts of Nigeria and mostly shot in remote areas.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Timothy Abiodun, in his reaction to the material donated, said, “
I thank Prof. Duro Adeleke, who joined the school a few years ago and has proven his love for the development of the school. I also thank the Wikimedia affiliates team that has gone the extra mile in documenting Nigerian indigenous languages and Yoruba vocations to preserve the Yoruba heritage.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Timothy signing the releasing documents on behalf of the university
“It is sad that most Yoruba people cannot speak Yoruba fluently anymore unless they add a foreign language, even in academia. But, with the effort of the Wikimedia team in preserving the language, we would surely get back on track. Thank you for bringing this great asset to the school for our usage, and we promise we will use it accordingly and judiciously as expected. We pray to God to continue to guide your steps to a higher path, and Wikimedia should prosper as it is. I and the school management are very happy that they gifted us these precious educational materials.”
Olaniyan Olushola, the President of the Wikimedia User Group, said that Wikipedia belongs in education, hence the need to collaborate together to promote learning in the 21st century. The President of the Yoruba Wikimedians User Group thanks the Vice-Chancellor for giving the team the privilege to donate the materials to the university.
Recall that similar educational materials were donated to the University of Lagos and the University of Ibadan in February 2023.
According to Olaniyan Olushola, who holds the esteemed position of President of the Wikimedia User Group, Wikipedia is an invaluable resource that has a rightful place in the realm of education. As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of the 21st century, it is imperative that we work together to promote and facilitate learning through collaborative efforts.
By recognizing the importance of Wikipedia as an educational tool, we can harness its vast potential to enhance and enrich the educational experiences of learners across the globe. Olushola stated.
In a gracious gesture of appreciation, the President of the Yoruba Wikimedians User Group extended heartfelt thanks to the esteemed Vice-chancellor for affording the team the rare opportunity to donate their valuable materials to the University. The team was deeply honored to have been granted such a privilege and felt immensely grateful for the chance to contribute to the academic community in this meaningful way. It was a momentous occasion that will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come.