The management of University Press Plc on Wednesday donated N5m worth of books to nine selected secondary schools in Oyo State in furtherance of its ‘Improving reading culture’ campaign.
Managing Director, UP Plc, Mr. Samuel Kolawole, during the presentation of the books at the state Ministry of Education, said the gesture was to complement government’s efforts in making books available to learners.
He said, “Stakeholders in the education sector have to contribute their quotas in promoting reading culture. We can all be part of the move to encourage reading culture.
“The parents have their roles to play. We cannot afford to fold our arms and continue to blame others. We should set an example and encourage others to play their own part. This is the reason for our gesture.
“This is part of our corporate social responsibility. As a company that is situated in Ibadan, we deem it necessary to be part of efforts to improve reading culture in the country, starting from Oyo State. This will encourage others.
“We are contributing our quota in terms of making books available in public schools. We are giving books to nine schools in all. For us, this is a pilot project.
“We shall also monitor to ensure that the books are put into good use. We want to follow up by organising readers’ club and quiz competition for the schools.”
The state Commissioner for Education, Adetokunbo Fayokun, said, “The donation by UP Plc came at the right time. Individuals and corporate bodies needed redirection of purpose to contribute their bits toward regaining our lost glory.”
The benefiting schools are :
• Ansar-ud-Deen Grammar School, Saki;
• Government College, Apata, Ibadan;
• Iroko Community Grammar School, Iroko;
• Iseyin District Grammar School, Iseyin;
• Lagelu Grammar School, Ibadan.
• Oba Seiku High School, Eruwa;
• Ogbomoso Grammar School, Ogbomoso
• Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo.
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