The University Press Plc (UPL) has donated 3,875 copies of educational books valued at over ₦12.5 million to the Ondo State Government.
The donation was presented on Monday at the governor’s office in Akure by the company’s Managing Director and CEO, Samuel Kolawole, during a strategic courtesy visit.
The move was to boost Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s vision for human capital development.
The books cover a wide educational range, spanning from Primary One to Senior Secondary School Three (SSS 3), designed to support foundational and advanced learning across the state’s public schools.
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During the presentation, Kolawole highlighted the deep-rooted history of University Press Plc, which began in 1949 as the Nigerian branch of the world-renowned Oxford University Press.
He noted that while the company has evolved into a wholly Nigerian-owned entity listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, its commitment to global standards remains unchanged.
“Because we have a presence here and have benefited from this state, we come from time to time to give back as a token of our appreciation for how supportive the state has been to us,” Kolawole stated.
He further recalled the company’s support during the COVID-19 pandemic and emphasised its decades-long collaboration with the Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).
Responding to the gesture, Aiyedatiwa lauded University Press Plc for its consistency.
He emphasised that in a modern, knowledge-driven global economy, education, technology, and skills are the primary drivers of prosperity.
Aiyedatiwa noted that providing quality educational materials is essential for building a workforce capable of competing internationally.
He commended the company for focusing on materials for primary and secondary levels, rather than just high-profile tertiary publications.
The governor described the relationship as a “win-win,” where the state recommends and purchases UPL books, and the company reciprocates through corporate social responsibility (CSR).
The event underscored the administration’s “all-hands-on-deck” approach to education.
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Top government officials were present to receive the donation, including Olayide Adelami, Deputy Governor, Igbekele Ajibefun, Commissioner for Education, Victor Olabimtan, Chairman of SUBEB and Segun Omojuwa, Chief of Staff.
The governor assured the UPL management of continued patronage and prayed for the company’s growth, noting that their success translates to better educational support for the children of the state.
