The Department of Information Science at Unisa congratulates Dr Joseph Ngoaketsi on receiving a prestigious continental award at the 27^th Standing Conference of Eastern, Central and Southern African Library and Information Associations (SCECSAL) Conference held at the Avani Victoria Falls Resort in Livingstone, Zambia, from 27 April to 1 May 2026.

Ngoaketsi, who is a senior lecturer in the Department of Information Science with research expertise focusing on memory studies, oral and heritage, presented a paper titled "Inclusive Higher Education in Ghana: Are Academic Libraries Leading the Way?" at the SCECSAL Conference.

The conference, with the theme "African Libraries and Information Services at the New Crossroad", brought together scholars, researchers, librarians and information professionals from across the African continent to discuss innovative approaches to information access, inclusivity and sustainable development within academic libraries.

Representing Unisa were Ngoaketsi and Dr Diana Atuase, a Unisa alumna who currently serves as Senior Assistant Librarian at the Sam Jonah Library and lecturer in the Department of Information Science at the University of Cape Coast. The two academics co-presented a paper aligned with the conference theme, sharing valuable insights into inclusive academic library services in Africa.

A major highlight of the conference was the recognition bestowed upon Ngoaketsi, who received the SCECSAL 2026 Excellence Award in the Capacity Development category on behalf of Unisa’s Department of Information Science. The award recognised both Ngoaketsi and the Department’s outstanding contribution to capacity development within the library and information science profession across the region.

Ngoaketsi said the award serves as a testament to the department’s continued commitment to promoting equality, inclusivity and innovation in information services, while advancing universal access to knowledge. He further added that the award also reflects Unisa’s growing influence within the international information science community and its active role in strengthening collaboration across Africa in teaching, learning and research.

The Chair of the Department of Information Science, Dr Makutla Mojapelo, congratulated Ngoaketsi, stating that this achievement confirms Unisa’s reputation as a leading institution in advancing library and information science education, research and professional development on the African continent.  

* By Nnana Jege, College of Human Sciences, and Prof Mashilo Modiba, Chair of the Department of Information Science