Calls for cultural revival gained momentum as education stakeholders, government officials, and cultural custodians gathered on Monday, June 16, in Ibadan for the official launch of the Nigeria Literacy Book Adaptation Project. The project, flagged off at Mahogany Hotel, Jericho, marked a collaboration between global nonprofit Room to Read and Accessible Publishers Ltd., aimed at promoting early-grade reading in indigenous languages.
Speaking at the event, the Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Adewale Olatunbosun, described the project as a cultural renaissance. “Promoting indigenous languages to our children is not merely an educational pursuit, it is a cultural resurrection,” he said, adding that children taught in their mother tongue do not just read, but “remember” their roots and lineage.
Dr. Olatunbosun commended Room to Read and Accessible Publishers for their efforts, describing the partnership as “a noble narrative of necessity.” He noted that the initiative aligns with the State Government’s creative economy agenda, turning culture into capital and tradition into tools for sustainable development.
The launch drew participants from the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs), scholars, linguists, translators, and representatives of the media.
Several dignitaries took turns to commend Accessible Publishers for its consistency in delivering quality educational materials. From SUBEB officials to development partners, many described the publishing firm as a trusted leader in Nigeria’s literacy sector. “This is a publishing house we’ve worked with, trusted, and tested,” said Dr. Lydia Onuoha, Chairperson of Abia State SUBEB.
Echoing this, Director of Curriculum at NERDC, Dr. Gandu Garba, said: “We are not just endorsing books; we are endorsing a brand that has consistently delivered quality, innovation, and impact across classrooms in Nigeria.”
The Nigeria Literacy Book Adaptation Project seeks to promote early reading among children using culturally relevant stories, while also fostering pride in Nigeria’s indigenous languages. Stakeholders at the event expressed optimism that the initiative would help reshape early-grade literacy in Nigeria and strengthen cultural identity among learners.
As part of the project, a team of language experts in Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba are billed to participate in a 6-day intensive training and transcription session from June 16 to 21.
In her goodwill message, the Kogi State Commissioner for Innovation, Science & Technology, Dr. Adeniyi Aderibigbe, described the partnership as “a match made in literacy heaven,” noting that Accessible Publishers is not just producing books but “publishing identity, relevance, and belonging.”
