The 24th Nigeria International Book Fair commenced today, May 7, 2025, at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Sheraton, Ikeja, Lagos, drawing key figures from government, academia, and the publishing industry.
Organised by the Nigerian Book Fair Trust, the three-day event aims to address pressing issues in Nigeria’s education and publishing sectors.
Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa and Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment Senator John Owan Enoh are among the notable attendees.
The International Conference segment features a keynote address by Professor Abiodun Oluwafemi Oluwadare of the University of Ibadan’s Department of Forest Production and Products.
Panellists include Segun Ajayi-Kadir, Director General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, and Rogers Nforgwei, MD/CEO of NMI Education, Cameroon.
The session is moderated by Mr. Olugbemi Malomo, former President of the Chartered Institute of Professional Printers of Nigeria.
This year’s conference theme, “Local Paper Production: Panacea to Affordable Book Production and Qualitative Education,” addresses the high cost of books in Nigeria.
The Nigerian Book Fair Trust Chairman, Mr Oluwadare Oluwatuyi, attributes rising book prices to the country’s reliance on imported pulp and paper.
He advocates for investment in local paper production to reduce costs, enhance the book industry, and create employment opportunities.
A significant highlight is the Tertiary Education Summit, now in its third edition, themed “Overcoming the Global Competitiveness Challenge in our Tertiary Education Landscape.”
Special guests include Vice Chancellors from the University of Lagos, Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos State University, Mountain Top University, Lagos State University of Science and Technology, and the Rector of Yaba College of Technology.
Professor Hope Eghagha of the University of Lagos moderates the plenary session.
The fair also features a business networking dinner, children’s events, and various activities by industry stakeholders.
It serves as a platform for promoting Nigerian literature, fostering a reading culture, and facilitating discussions on improving the nation’s educational and publishing landscapes.
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