Nigerian Publishers Association Marks 60 Years Of Impact
THE Nigerian Publishers Association (NPA) has announced an ambitious lineup of events to celebrate its 60th anniversary, highlighting six decades of contributions to education, culture and the book industry. At a press briefing in Ibadan, NPA President Alhaji Lukman Dauda unveiled the Diamond Jubilee theme—“Publishing in Nigeria: 60 Years of Impact, Innovation and Inclusion”—and confirmed that the celebration will culminate tomorrow 4 December 2025, at Kakanfo Inn and Conference Centre.
The keynote address will be delivered by Dr. Wale Okediran, Secretary General of the Pan African Writers Association, while Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and other national and international stakeholders are expected to attend. According to Dauda, the calibre of guests reflects the growing recognition of publishing as a key driver of national development and the knowledge economy.
He noted that the anniversary serves as both a celebration and a strategic moment to assess the industry’s progress—from advancing copyright protection and professional standards to supporting indigenous publishing and curriculum development. Dauda described publishing as “an indispensable national utility,” stressing that education, culture and economic growth all depend on strong book production and distribution systems.
The association also highlighted current efforts to integrate responsible technology use, expand local content, strengthen textbook access and engage government agencies on curriculum delivery. While acknowledging the value of AI in publishing processes, Dauda warned against overreliance, citing ethical and copyright risks.
Tributes were paid to pioneers whose work shaped the sector, with the NPA urging educators, policymakers, development partners and the public to join the Diamond Jubilee events. The celebration aims to honour the industry’s legacy while charting a forward-looking path for the future of Nigerian publishing.
