Publisher Donates 3,000 Books to Ondo State Schools

Students across Ondo State, Nigeria just got a major library upgrade thanks to a publishing company that believes in giving back where it does business.

University Press PLC donated over 3,000 books to public schools in Ondo State this week, delivering the materials directly to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. The gesture marks another round of educational support from the company to the region.

"We believe that in any environment where we are and we are succeeding, we should give back to that society," said Samuel Kolawole, the company's Managing Director and CEO. The donation represents part of University Press PLC's ongoing commitment to communities where it operates.

The timing couldn't be better. Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized that educational materials are "critical to human capital development, particularly in a modern, knowledge-driven economy." He noted that major world economies are powered by knowledge built on education, technology, and skills.

What makes this donation particularly meaningful is the company's focus. Rather than producing only high-profile publications, University Press PLC concentrates on creating educational materials for foundational levels, the building blocks where young readers develop lifelong learning habits.

The relationship between Ondo State and the publishing company runs both ways. The state has consistently purchased and recommended University Press books at state and national levels, while the company reciprocates through donations like this one.

The Ripple Effect

These 3,000 books will spread across public school libraries throughout Ondo State, reaching students who might otherwise lack access to diverse reading materials. Each book represents a chance for a young reader to discover new ideas, explore different worlds, or master critical skills.

The donation also signals a broader trend of Nigerian businesses taking active roles in education. When companies invest in the communities where they operate, they create cycles of improvement that benefit everyone. Students gain resources, schools strengthen their programs, and businesses build goodwill while contributing to a more educated workforce.

Kolawole acknowledged that the publishing industry faces significant challenges, particularly from piracy. But his company continues working with the Nigerian Publishers Association and the Nigerian Copyright Commission to protect educational materials while ensuring they reach the students who need them.

Governor Aiyedatiwa recognized the mutual benefits of this partnership, describing it as a model for how government and private enterprise can work together toward shared goals.

Thousands of Ondo students now have more books to explore, more stories to discover, and more opportunities to learn.