PHOTOS: Diary Of A Transformative Archival Journey – U.I Educator, Dr Ayodele Alonge
...Empowering Nigerian Archival Practices Through International Scholarship
In a significant stride towards advancing archival practices in Nigeria, Dr Ayodele Alonge, a reputable educator from the University of Ibadan, embarked on a transformative academic and professional journey to the Netherlands, made possible by the Joan van Albada Archivist Training Fund (JAATF).
The scholarship he won in September 2023.
This prestigious scholarship enabled Dr Alonge to explore into contemporary fields of Archives, Archive Technologies, and Archival Science, empowering him with cutting-edge knowledge and skills essential for elevating Nigerian archiving efforts.
The JAATF, founded in July 2018 with a generous donation by the notable archivist Joan van Albada and his wife, aims to support emerging archivists from underrepresented regions by offering scholarships for advanced studies in archival science.
Focused on candidates from Africa, the Arab world, Asia, the Caribbean, and the Pacific, the initiative aspires to enhance the global archival field by equipping professionals with the necessary expertise to improve practices in their home countries.
Dr Alonge’s professional journey began at KPMG Nigeria, and passed through the University of Ibadan Library fueled by a desire to integrate technological advancements into information management and dissemination .
The scholarship refined his expertise in digital curation, manuscript translation technologies, and the integration of artificial intelligence into archival work. His training at the University of Amsterdam under Prof. Charles Jeurgens was particularly transformative, covering essential courses like ‘Digital Curation’ and ‘Recordkeeping Informatics’, which profoundly shaped his academic and professional outlook.
The research project, titled “The Digitization and Preservation of Historical Maps for Enhanced Cross-Era Communication and Information Dissemination: A Case Study of Maps in the University of Groningen Library, Netherlands,” highlighted the critical role historical maps play in conveying complex historical, cultural, and social narratives.
The emphasis on digitizing these maps aimed at preserving their physical integrity while enhancing their accessibility for scholarly research and cross-era communication.
Dr A.J. Alonge’s engagement with collections characterized by colonial, gender, and racial biases during his studies prompted a reevaluation of conventional curation methodologies, steering towards more equitable practices.
This critical reassessment was furthered by the realization of the inherently biased nature of record keeping systems, which has spurred initiatives to decolonize archives for a more inclusive and representative archival landscape.
The program also featured enriching experiences, such as a warm reception at the University of Groningen, a visit to The Hague’s Innovation Lab, and an excursion to the Indonesian Exhibition in Amsterdam, all of which contributed to making this journey not only educational but also truly memorable.
In conclusion, Dr Ayodele John Alonge’s scholarly voyage under the auspices of the JAATF represents a significant milestone for the advancement of archival practices in Nigeria and globally.
His dedication to applying the acquired knowledge and experience towards enhancing Nigeria’s educational and professional spheres is a testament to the transformative power of such international scholarships in bridging gaps and fostering global collaboration in archival science.
