When the Nigeria International Book Fair (NIBF) held its 24th edition in Lagos five months ago, it brought together publishers, educators, and policymakers eager to discuss how books could help rebuild Nigeria’s struggling education system. However, beyond the bright stands and speeches, many still wonder if the annual fair can truly drive the kind of reform it promises.
The High Cost of Learning
The theme for 2025 — “Local Paper Production: Panacea to Affordable Book Production and Qualitative Education” — highlighted one of Nigeria’s biggest educational challenges: the soaring cost of textbooks. For many families, school book lists now cost more than tuition fees.
Parents complain that most books can no longer be reused because publishers now produce single-use workbooks that students must write in. Educationist Dr Peter Kudaisi described the trend as “exploitative and wasteful,” noting that it shuts poorer families out of quality education.
Publishers’ Struggle for Survival
Publishers and school owners, however, blame inflation, piracy, and dependence on imported paper for the price hikes. The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) hinted at the reasons behind the high cost of books. The association explained that local production of books is almost impossible due to high costs and weak infrastructure.
Piracy has also worsened the situation, as fake copies undercut genuine publishers and drive up prices. The association stresses that piracy and inflation create a vicious cycle where both publishers and parents suffer, and students are the ultimate losers.
Books Still Matter
Beyond affordability, the fair reignited the debate about the relevance of books in an age dominated by screens. India’s recent World Book Fair offered a powerful reminder when officials there declared that while the internet provides information, “it is books that truly impart knowledge.” The same truth applies to Nigeria, where digital distractions have eroded reading habits and deepened learning gaps.
The Road Ahead
Indeed, stakeholders agree that talk alone will not solve the crisis, adding that the country needs to take strategic steps to address the problem. Experts have emphasised that to make education affordable and effective, Nigeria must revive local paper production, strengthen the publishing industry, and ensure that textbooks remain usable for several years. The government could also support bulk purchasing and book recycling schemes in public schools. The Nigeria International Book Fair remains a valuable platform for conversation. However, until the ideas generated by the platform are translated into action, the promise of reform will stay out of reach — and for many Nigerian children, education will continue to be a luxury rather than a right.
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