Nigerian scholar and records management expert, Prof. Elvis Otobo, has been elected to the Board of Directors of the Archives & Records Association (ARA UK & Ireland), the leading professional body representing archivists, records managers and conservators across the United Kingdom and Ireland.
The association, which has more than 2,000 members drawn from government institutions, educational establishments, heritage organisations and public service agencies, confirmed Otobo’s election under Article 21 of its Articles of Association.
Otobo joins the board with extensive academic and professional experience in archives, records management and information governance.
He holds a Master of Archives, Records and Information Management from the University of Ibadan, a Master of Arts in Heritage Theory and Practice from the University of Plymouth, United Kingdom, and a doctorate in Information Resources Management from Babcock University. His doctoral research focused on records integrity, workplace environments and administrative efficiency within the judiciary.
Over the years, he has contributed to strengthening records management systems across academic institutions, heritage organisations and public sector establishments, with research interests spanning archival science, digital preservation, information governance and strategic communication.
His election to the ARA board is expected to bolster the association’s efforts to promote professional development, strengthen advocacy within the archives and records management profession, and encourage collaboration among practitioners across the UK and Ireland.
Reacting to his election, Otobo described the appointment as a privilege and reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the profession.
“It is an honour to serve the ARA and contribute to the advancement of our profession at an international level. Archives and records are essential to accountability, transparency and cultural identity. I look forward to supporting the Association’s mission and working with colleagues across the UK and Ireland to strengthen our sector for the future,” he said.
