By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Tofunmi Adebayo
The Nigerian Book Publishers Association (NBPA) is set to partner with the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) to establish a Bookshop on campus to foster a culture of reading and promote the Nigerian publishing industry.
The NBPA, a prominent trade association representing the interests of book publishers in Nigeria, has long been dedicated to advancing the publishing industry in the country. Through advocacy, support, and resource provision, the Association aims to bolster literacy rates and ensure the rights of Publishers are upheld.
Speaking at the meeting, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde stressed the importance of increasing access to educational resources, adding that FUNAAB embarked on a collaborative venture with the NBPA to bring a diverse array of books to its students.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, the Bookshop was set to offer a wide selection of educative materials, aimed at instilling a love for reading and enhancing academic pursuits among students.
Besides, Prof. Kehinde said that the partnership is a pointer to FUNAAB’s commitment to promoting the visibility of the publishing industry in Nigeria.
He noted that by encouraging the creation and dissemination of high-quality Nigerian books on campus, the University hopes to combat issues such as piracy and copyright infringement.
Earlier, the Director, Lagos Office, Nigerian Copyright Commission, Mrs. Lynda Alphaeus stated that the Commission would play a major role in enforcing copyright laws and safeguarding the intellectual property rights of authors and publishers when the Bookshop takes off.
According to her, “Through its diligent efforts, the Commission seeks to foster an environment where creativity thrives, ensuring that creators are duly recognised and compensated for their work.”
Mrs. Alphaeus further stated that in addition to enforcement measures, the Commission was actively engaged in educating the public about copyright laws and the importance of respecting intellectual property rights.
Her words, “By raising awareness and providing valuable resources, it aims to cultivate a culture that values originality and respects the rights of content creators.”
Throwing the Publisher’s weight behind the collaboration, Mr. Tony Khibe of the Books Company Ltd, therefore, called for a proper Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to commence the partnership.
The establishment of the Bookshop at FUNAAB marks a significant step towards promoting literacy, supporting local publishers, and safeguarding intellectual property rights in Nigeria.
Through collaborative efforts between the NBPA, FUNAAB, and regulatory bodies like the Nigeria Copyright Commission, this initiative promises to contribute to the intellectual and cultural enrichment of the University Community and the nation as a whole.
