Stakeholders under the umbrella of the Nigerian Publishers Association (NPA) have called for functional book policies that will assist the growth of book industry in the country.
The stakeholders made the call at the 2017 annual conference and general meeting of the NPA with the theme, ‘Functional National Book Policy: A Catalyst for Educational Development’, hosted in Lagos.
Leading the call, the NPA President, Gbadega Adedapo said it is unfortunate that the industry is being confronted with myriads of problems such as book piracy which has degenerated into mistrust among stakeholders as well as availability of raw materials and equipment to process it, among others.
“This year’s annual conference theme is suitable for this moment, based on the exposure we have witnessed over the years and how it has affected the educational growth with consequential effect on the nation’s economy… we are optimistic of the fact that functional book policies, if implemented, would solve some of these problems, and on that note, we need full support of our government,” Adedapo said.
Similarly, the NPA Executive Secretary, Emmanuel Abimbola said a time has come for all to awaken government and other stakeholders to have in place a functional book policy for the country.
“Up till now, what we have is a ‘draft’ National Book Policy. It is our aim that, this book policy if we finally have one, would serve as a national guideline on the provision and effective management of books and other relevant resources geared towards the implementation of education at all levels in Nigeria.
“It will also serves as a statement of intents and purposes, as well as prescriptions, requirements and indeed a benchmark for quality education in the country through the provision of adequate and relevant books and other educational resources,” Abimbola said.
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