UPL DONATES 3,875 BOOKS TO ONDO GOVT, BACKS GOV AIYEDATIWA’S EDUCATION DRIVE
– We are committed to human capital development, says Gov
By The NewsPostage
University Press Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to educational development in Ondo State with the donation of 3,875 copies of books valued at over ₦12.5 million to the state government.
The donation was made by the company through its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Samuel Kolawole, on Monday during a courtesy visit by the management to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa at the Governor’s Office in Akure.
Kolawole traced the history of the company to 1949, when it was established as the Nigerian branch of Oxford University Press, United Kingdom.
He explained that following the 1979 unification decree, which barred certain sectors from being wholly foreign-owned, Oxford University Press UK divested part of its shares, leading to the listing of University Press Plc on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
According to him, Oxford University Press UK now holds just over 10 per cent equity in the company, stressing that University Press Plc is presently owned by Nigerians.
Kolawole said the company operates about 20 offices across the country, including one in Akure, and has enjoyed a cordial and mutually beneficial relationship with the people and government of Ondo State over the years.
“This is not the first time we are coming. Because we have a presence here and we have benefited from this state, from time to time we come to give back to the state a token of our appreciation for how accommodating and supportive the state has been to us,” he said.
He recalled that the company supported the state during the COVID-19 period and noted that the State Universal Basic Education Board had worked with University Press Plc for decades by recommending its books to the Universal Basic Education Commission.
Kolawole added that the company has staff in Ondo State and continues to give back in appreciation of the patronage it enjoys from the state. He said the donation was aimed at supporting the efforts of the Aiyedatiwa administration to raise the standard of education in the state.
He disclosed that the donation comprised 3,875 copies of books covering Primary One to Senior Secondary School Three, describing it as the company’s modest contribution to the state’s educational advancement programme.
Kolawole expressed hope that the gesture would mark the beginning of deeper collaboration between University Press Plc and the Ondo State Government, while thanking the governor for granting the audience at short notice.
Responding, Governor Aiyedatiwa said Ondo State had benefitted from the patronage of University Press Plc, noting that the state had consistently purchased and recommended the company’s books at both state and national levels.
According to the governor, the provision of educational materials for pupils and students from primary to secondary school levels is critical to human capital development, particularly in a modern, knowledge-driven economy.
He said major economies of the world are powered by knowledge built on education, technology and skills, adding that University Press Plc was already making a meaningful contribution to education and human capital development.
Governor Aiyedatiwa commended the company for focusing on producing educational materials for foundational levels, rather than concentrating solely on high-profile publications.
He described the relationship between the Ondo State Government and University Press Plc as mutually beneficial, noting that while the state patronises the company’s products, the company reciprocates through such support.
The Governor assured the company of the state government’s continued support, stressing that its commitment to giving back to Ondo State predated his tenure as governor.
He noted that the company had supported the state under previous administrations, including during his time as Deputy Governor, and prayed for the continued growth of University Press Plc, saying its success would translate into sustained support for education in the state.
In attendance were the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; the Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; the Commissioner for Education, Prof Igbekele Ajibefun; the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board, Rt Hon Victor Olabimtan; the Director General, Performance and Project Implementation Monitoring Unit, Engr Rasaq Obe; and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Technical and Vocational Education, Mr Tayo Oluyi; full time members of SUBEB.
Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan,
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
January 19, 2026.
