Ondo education gets boost as University Press donates 3,875 Books
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 presented on Monday by the company’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Samuel Kolawole, 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, noting that regulatory changes in 1979 led to its transformation into a Nigerian-owned company listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, with Oxford University Press UK retaining just over 10 per cent equity.
He said University Press Plc operates about 20 offices nationwide, including one in Akure, and has enjoyed a long-standing, cordial relationship with the people and government of Ondo State.
Kolawole explained that the company’s visit and donation were part of its tradition of giving back to the state, recalling its support during the COVID-19 period and its decades-long collaboration with the State Universal Basic Education Board through recommended textbooks.
According to him, the donated books cover Primary One to Senior Secondary School Three and are intended to support the Aiyedatiwa administration’s efforts to improve the standard of education and strengthen human capital development in the state.
He expressed hope that the gesture would deepen collaboration between University Press Plc and the Ondo State Government, while thanking the governor for granting the audience at short notice.
In his response, Governor Aiyedatiwa commended the company for its sustained support, noting that Ondo State had consistently patronised and recommended its books, and assured University Press Plc of the state government’s continued backing, describing the partnership as mutually beneficial and critical to educational growth.
