iPRES 2025 - PAPER SESSION 16: Networks of Support: Capacity Building and Cultural Preservation (90 minutes)

PAPER SESSION 16: Networks of Support: Capacity Building and Cultural Preservation (90 minutes)

Tracks

Virtual Stream

Thursday, November 6, 2025

7:00 AM - 8:30 AM

Virtual

Speaker

Mr Ibrahim Usman

University of Maiduguri, Nigeria

Local Strategies For Indigenous Knowledge Preservation In Displaced Nigerian Communities

Summary Abstract

The preservation of indigenous knowledge in Nigeria is increasingly threatened particularly in communities where displacement and environmental change pose increasing challenges to the preservation of Indigenous Knowledge (IK) in Nigeria. This challenge is notably prominent in the Northeast's conflict-affected areas. This study looks at the long-standing issues that indigenous communities and the official preservation sector face while working together, such as mistrust, the perception of Western dominance, and the psychological gap that exists between indigenous communities and urban preservation agents. The study highlights particular challenges like underfunded preservation policies, cultural disruptions brought on by migration, and the decline of oral traditions through critical analysis and field-based reflections. The authors suggest three locally grounded strategies for preserving Indigenous Knowledge- the resuscitation of storytelling culture for digitization, the establishment of secure spaces for recording lived experiences, and the development of local communities of practice (CoPs) as a long-term model for knowledge sharing.

Biography

Usman Ibrahim Babagana is a PhD candidate and a Researcher at the SDG Graduate school - Center for the Study and Promotion of Cultural Sustainability (CSPCS), University of Maiduguri. He holds a Master of Arts (M.A) degree in Cultural Sustainability and a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Public Administration from the University of Maiduguri. As a researcher, he is focused on indigenous community engagements bordering on Indigenous Knowledge, culture, climate change, peace and conflict, among others.He is currently pursuing his Ph.D in Cultural Sustainability having won a scholarship from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). His proposed Ph.D research focuses on the cultural dimension to climate change adaptation in the Northeast region of Nigeria. This is reflective of his desire to contribute to the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goal 13 especially in rural areas in the Northeast region of Nigeria where cultural practices and indigenous adaptation strategies to climate change is still very much neglected in national adaptation planning. Gladys Kemboi is an award-winning Global Knowledge Manager, Community of Practice leader. She has led and executed KM strategies, developed and improved KM processes,tools and technologies, and build sustainable Communities of Practice to meet locally-led development evolving needs at global and local level. Kemboi advanced local and Indigenous knowledge in development, and collaborated with leaders and partners across sectors and around the globe to build dynamic and equitable knowledge ecosystems. Former Global Learning and Knowledge Management Advisor at Jhpiego in Baltimore, USA, where she implemented and standardized KM and Communities of Practice for USAID , CDC and Gates Funded projects. Implemented the Global Coalition Knowledge Management Strategy on Youth, Peace, and Security with UNDP in New York. She developed knowledge management solutions for USAID and World Bank-funded projects in Africa and coordinated the first African Knowledge for Development Partnership at the UN in Nairobi, Kenya. Kemboi has build successful strategic knowledge partnerships and multi-stakeholder collaborations. Experienced in facilitating and moderating Knowledge Cafés, mentoring youth, unlocking community archives and museums, addressing climate change mitigation and adaptation. She advocates for the decolonization of knowledge, vulnerable groups, peace and security, epistemic justice, and transparent communications to ensure every voice is heard. Elijah Olawale Azeez is a digital librarian and researcher passionate about preserving cultural heritage through technology. He specializes in digital preservation, indigenous knowledge systems, and AI ethics. With leadership and technical experience, he promotes accessible, secure archives and empowers communities through education, innovation, and digital literacy initiatives.

Mr OLUWATOSIN AKOBE

Lecturer/librarian

Kogi State College Of Education, Ankpa

WEBINARS ENHANCING AWARENESS OF DIGITAL PRESERVATION TOOLS AND STRATEGIES TO BRIDGE NIGERIA’S PRESERVATION KNOWLEDGE GAP

Summary Abstract

Digital preservation is crucial for ensuring the lasting accessibility and usability of digital heritage, particularly in areas encountering infrastructural and skill-related obstacles. In Nigeria, where cultural data and archival resources face threats from outdated technology and restricted institutional capacity, webinars are becoming an effective means to close the gap between knowledge and practice in digital preservation. This research examines how webinars contribute to increasing awareness, encouraging the adoption of digital preservation tools, and enhancing professional skills among information professionals in Nigeria. Based on a sequence of webinars organized by Nigerian librarians together with global experts, the paper emphasizes how these online platforms provide scalable, inclusive, and affordable training options. It also addresses the challenges faced, including inadequate internet connectivity and limited access to digital resources, and proposes methods for improving the effectiveness of webinars. The results indicate that participants developed a better understanding and increased confidence in using preservation tools and techniques. In general, the research highlights the significance of embracing creative, technology-based methods such as webinars to promote a lasting culture of digital preservation in emerging areas. It promotes the incorporation of webinars into national policies and training structures to guarantee wider involvement and sustained preservation of Africa’s digital legacy

Biography

Akobe Oluwatosin Daniel is a scholar-librarian, AI trainer, and digital literacy advocate. With over a decade of experience, he champions inclusive library services, digital preservation, and AI in education. He mentors students, presents globally, and empowers communities by transforming libraries into hubs for sustainable development and digital engagement. Folasade Adepoju is Librarian and Cultural Sustainability Advisor. Folasade is currently Assistant Director of Library Public Services Department of the National Library of Nigeria. Folasade is a passionate librarian whose work as a community mobilizer has earned her multiple awards. Folasade is training and mentoring young professionals on Indigenous knowledge, Library and Information Science for sustainable development in Nigeria and across Africa.

Mr Elijah Azeez

Digital Librarian

National Library Of Nigeria

Tūhono Africa: Partnering to preserve kwali indigenous knowledge practices

Summary Abstract

This paper investigates the neglected condition of both physical and digital preservation of the legacy of Dr. Ladi Kwali, a groundbreaking Nigerian potter from the 20th century famous for her integration of Indigenous Gbari pottery techniques with contemporary practices. Utilizing qualitative research methods such as interviews and site assessments in Kwali, Suleja, and Abuja, the study emphasizes the decline of Kwali’s artifacts, tools, and workspaces. Critical discoveries highlight the dire state of the Ladi Kwali Centers in Kwali and Suleja, where priceless artifacts are left undocumented and susceptible to environmental damage. Likewise, items stored at the Cyprian Ekwensi Cultural Centre in Abuja experience inadequate cataloging, insufficient metadata, and a lack of digital backups, highlighting systemic shortcomings in the management of cultural heritage. The research highlights essential problems like inadequate funding, absence of sustainability strategies, and decreasing enthusiasm for pottery among younger individuals. The study supports prompt action via capacity-building frameworks such as the Digital Preservation Coalition’s Rapid Assessment Model (DPC RAM) to protect and ensure the digital preservation of Kwali’s legacy. By tackling these obstacles, the research highlights the significance of restoring Africa's cultural stories and promoting sustainable Indigenous knowledge economies.

Biography

Folasade is currently Assistant Director of Library Public Services Department of the National Library of Nigeria. Folasade is a passionate librarian whose work as a community mobilizer has earned her multiple awards. Folasase is training and mentoring young professionals on Indigenous knowledge, Library and Information Science for sustainable development in Nigeria and across Africa. Gladys Kemboi is a PhD candidate in information science at the University of Illinois. Kemboi focuses on the decolonization of knowledge, epistemic justice, Digital Preservation and Sustainability of knowledge commons, advancing local and Indigenous knowledge in development, and collaborating with leaders and partners across sectors and around the globe to build dynamic and equitable knowledge ecosystems. Elijah Olawale Azeez is a digital librarian and researcher passionate about preserving cultural heritage through technology. He specializes in digital preservation, indigenous knowledge systems, and AI ethics. With leadership and technical experience, he promotes accessible, secure archives and empowers communities through education, innovation, and digital literacy initiatives. Akobe Oluwatosin Daniel is a scholar-librarian, AI trainer, and digital literacy advocate. With over a decade of experience, he champions inclusive library services, digital preservation, and AI in education. He mentors students, presents globally, and empowers communities by transforming libraries into hubs for sustainable development and digital engagement.

Mr Elijah Azeez

Digital Librarian

National Library Of Nigeria

Digital Preservation of Heritage for Crisis Prevention, Peacebuilding, and Youth Empowerment: Insights from Ombatse Crisis

Summary Abstract

Much has been written in several literatures affirming that the digital preservation of cultural heritage in contexts marked by inter-ethnic conflict is not merely an archival imperative, but an ethical and socio-political act. Communities affected by such crises frequently suffer the disappearance of both tangible heritage and the intangible frameworks of rituals, oral traditions, and collective memory that sustain cultural identity and intergenerational continuity. In light of the enduring threats posed by conflict-induced displacement and cultural fragmentation in Eggon community of Nasarawa State where over 500 lives including 84 security personnel were lost, this study was undertaken with the overarching aim of establishing conditions for the systematic digitization and safeguarding of endangered cultural heritage for present and future generations. This objective was pursued through an evaluative assessment of the institutional readiness of Libraries and cultural centres in the region, employing the Digital Preservation Coalition Rapid Assessment Model (DPC RAM). The study advocates the application of the six foundational elements of the DPC RAM as a baseline for initiating sustainable digital preservation strategies that are responsive to local realities and capable of supporting youth engagement, peacebuilding, and cultural revitalization. The Ombatse crisis serves as the focal point for this inquiry. Findings indicate that several structural impediments persist, including the absence of coherent preservation policies, inadequate technical infrastructure, limited digital competencies among heritage custodians, and a lack of meaningful collaboration between cultural institutions and local communities. These constraints underscore the critical necessity for context-sensitive, participatory preservation frameworks that not only secure digital surrogates but foster cultural resilience and epistemic justice in societies emerging from conflict.

Biography

Elijah Olawale Azeez Elijah Olawale Azeez is a seasoned digital librarian and researcher with a distinguished record in the preservation of cultural heritage through innovative technological applications. Specializing in digital preservation, indigenous knowledge systems, and AI ethics, he brings both academic insight and practical expertise to safeguarding Nigeria’s rich cultural legacy. He serves as co-manager of the National Repository of Nigeria, overseeing the digitization and archiving of the nation’s diverse heritage assets. As the founder of the TimelessArchiveInitiative, he leads nationwide advocacy for the promotion of digital preservation practices, fostering awareness and sustainable strategies. His work empowers communities through education, digital literacy, and the development of inclusive, secure, and enduring archival infrastructures. Aparna Subramanian Aparna Subramanian is a Fulbright fellow and NYU MIAP alumnus, serving on the AMIA Board of Directors (2024-2026). She specializes in integrating best practices and strategies in media preservation, collection management, and archival administration. She provides advisory services on interdisciplinary education within the evolving digital and new media landscape.

Ms Irina Schmid

Instructor And Digital Collections Archivist

The American University in Cairo

Middle Eastern University Archives: Building Digital Preservation Capacity Through Networking, Advocacy, and Mentorship

Summary Abstract

The rapid digitization of academic and cultural materials in Middle Eastern universities highlights the critical necessity for strong digital preservation strategies. Nonetheless, the region encounters considerable obstacles, such as infrastructural inequalities, linguistic intricacies, political unrest, and an absence of uniform policies. This essay contends that a threefold strategy—focused on networking, advocacy, and mentorship—can overcome these obstacles and enhance digital preservation initiatives. Through the cultivation of regional and international partnerships, universities have the opportunity to combine resources, utilize common tools, and draw upon worldwide expertise. Advocacy at both institutional and governmental levels is essential for securing funding, developing preservation policies, and raising awareness of the cultural and academic value of digital heritage. At the same time, mentorship programs and training initiatives are crucial for developing a skilled workforce that can handle changing technologies and preservation standards. A case study of the American University in Cairo demonstrates the convergence of these strategies in developing sustainable and scalable models for success. By using this comprehensive framework, Middle Eastern universities can protect their digital legacies while also improving their roles within global knowledge networks. This essay highlights that digital preservation transcends technical aspects; it is a shared responsibility that guarantees the region’s vibrant academic and cultural heritage remains available for future generations.

Biography

Irina leads the Digitization Center at American University in Cairo, where her responsibilities include developing and implementing technological strategies for digital transformation and processes. These strategies utilize technology-driven workflows to enhance the production, metadata, preservation, and management of data, promoting creativity, learning, insight, and innovation. Prior to Irina’s involvement with AUC, she engaged with cultural organizations, offering insights on effective operational strategies and logistics.