Otobo Pledges Efficient Service Delivery as New Director of ARA UK/Ireland 

The Archives and Records Association (ARA UK and Ireland) has announced the appointment of a Nigerian academic and information governance specialist, Prof. Elvis Otobo, to support its leadership in archives, records, management and digital preservation.

In a statement made available to journalists, Otobo said he was selected under the Article 21 of the association.

The ARA is a leading professional body representing archivists, records managers and conservators across the United Kingdom and Ireland, with more than 2,000 members working in government, education, heritage and public service organisations.

According to Otobo, his election to the ARA board reflects his longstanding commitment to advancing excellence in archives, digital record keeping and the wider record keeping profession. 

He noted that his leadership aims to promote stronger collaboration, enhance professional standards, as well as ensure that archives and records continue to serve as vital assets for public accountability, cultural memory and organisational effectiveness.

“It is an honour to serve the ARA and contribute to the advancement of our profession at a national 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.

He added that he would support the association’s strategic priorities, champion professional development, as well as help guide sector advocacy across the UK and Ireland. 

Across academia, heritage institutions and organisations, his work integrates archival theory, digital preservation, information governance and strategic communication.

It had also supported practitioners across public services, higher education, and cultural heritage organisational leadership,

Otobo had contributed significantly to strengthening records management practice through teaching, research, policy development, sector training and professional advocacy.

His work integrates archival theory, digital preservation, information governance and strategic communication, supporting practitioners across public services, higher education and cultural heritage organisations.

Otobo will also bring a strong academic and professional foundation to the ARA board, 

He holds dual Master’s degrees: in Archives, Records and Information Management from the University of Ibadan and Masters of Arts in Heritage Theory and Practice, from the University of Plymouth, UK. 

He also holds a PhD in Information Resources Management from Babcock University, where his research advanced understanding of records integrity, records management practices, work environment, as well as administrative effectiveness in the judiciary.