YABATECH Don Seeks Stakeholders’ Collaboration to Revive Printing, Publishing Industry

Funmi Ogundare

A chief lecturer at the Department of Printing Technology, Yaba College of Technology, Mrs Catherine Oluwole, has called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to reposition Nigeria’s printing and publishing industries for growth, sustainability and improved contribution to national development.

Delivering the college’s 22nd inaugural lecture series 2026 titled, ‘Printing and Publishing: Twins in Need of Ephphatha’, Oluwole stressed that the survival and advancement of the sector depend largely on coordinated efforts by government, financial institutions, publishers, authors and other key players.

“Cooperation and contribution should be sought from all stakeholders, including government, publishers, authors, regulators, booksellers and readers, in order to build a strong printing and publishing industry,” she said.

According to her, the integration of ICT has transformed publishing operations, enhancing efficiency and reducing production costs across the value chain.

Oluwole explained that digital communication tools have simplified interactions between publishers and authors, eliminating the need for time-consuming travel while accelerating editorial and production processes.

“Information and Communication Technology has transformed the entire publishing process, from manuscript development to production, marketing and distribution, making operations faster, cheaper and more efficient,” the don stated

The lecturer, however, regretted that industries continue to face significant challenges, including inadequate funding, obsolete equipment, a shortage of skilled manpower, a weak reading culture, and widespread piracy.

She urged governments at all levels to implement policies that would protect intellectual property rights and encourage investment in modern publishing infrastructure.

“Government must be decisive in its developmental policies by protecting intellectual property rights and curbing book piracy and infringement of authors’ rights,” she stated.

Oluwole also called for a review of import duties on books and publishing equipment to ease access to modern technology and reduce production costs for local operators.

“There is an urgent need to review charges on imported books, publishing equipment and accessories to reduce production costs and improve access to modern technology,” she added.

Reiterating the role of education in revitalising the sector, she recommended establishing book clubs in schools nationwide to promote a reading culture among young people.

“The establishment of book clubs in schools nationwide will help promote reading culture among youths and encourage increased book writing and printing,” she said.

She further highlighted the importance of regular training and retraining for technical staff to ensure industry players remain competitive amid rapid technological change.

Oluwole noted that, despite prevailing challenges, the printing and publishing industries offer vast employment opportunities for Nigerian youths in areas such as writing, editing, graphic design, book distribution, and production management.

She maintained that with strategic reforms, increased investment and stronger stakeholder collaboration, the sector could play a more significant role in job creation and economic development.