Stakeholders applaud Accessible Publishers for new partnership in literacy innovation
By Olufemi Timothy Ogunyejo
IT was a day of glowing tributes and bold declarations. On Monday, June 16, 2025, the Mahogany Hotel, Jericho, Ibadan pulsed with purpose and pride as education stakeholders, government officials, development agencies and cultural custodians gathered for the official flag-off of the Room-to-Read/Accessible Publishers Ltd Book Adaptation Project. The air was electric, the hall brimming to capacity, and the message unanimous: Accessible Publishers is the real deal—a publisher par excellence, a steward of integrity, and a trusted torchbearer in Nigeria’s literacy journey.
Like ripples, commendations came from every corner of the room. One after the other, dignitaries rose, not just to deliver goodwill messages, but to publicly endorse, applaud and eulogize Accessible Publishers as a brand for its vision and its visionary leader, Mr. Gbadega Adedapo.
From State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs) to Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), and from officials of the Federal Ministry of Education to directors at Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), the sentiments were consistent: Accessible Publishers is a national asset.
“This is a publishing house we’ve worked with, trusted, and tested,” said Abia State SUBEB Chairperson, Dr. Lydia Onuoha. And according to the Director of Curriculum, Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (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.”
Others followed with similar affirmations, pointing to Accessible Publishers’ track record of excellence, from traditional textbook development to cutting edge digital content creation.
In her own goodwill message, the Hon. Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Kogi State, Dr. Helen Adeniyi Aderibigbe, remarked that, “When you think literacy, think leadership. When you think leadership in publishing, think Accessible.”
As the room echoed with praises, one name rose above the rest like a banner of trust, the Managing Director/CEO of Accessible Publishers Mr. Adedapo. Described as a “gentle giant of educational publishing”, Mr. Adedapo was hailed not just for his entrepreneurial acumen, but for his unwavering integrity, humility, and passion for accessible learning.
Room-to-Read team from Kenya for the collaborative Book Adaptation Project: Regional Operations, Collins Munene (left); Director for Africa, Zamaradi Saidi; Global Director for Gender Equity, Tutus Kazungu and Associate Director – Literacy (Africa) and Associate Director – Publishing (Africa), Alison Ziki
“He is a man whose words are as firm as the spine of a hardcover,” quipped the representative of SUBEB Chairman, Borno State Mr. Mustapha Galtimari Babagane. Also, the representative of Osun State SUBEB Mr. Banji Fadehan, while delivering the goodwill message of the Chairman, Hon. Ibukun Fadipe said, “His name opens doors—not because of power, but because of principle. Mr. Adedapo has given publishing in Nigeria a heartbeat. Under his leadership, Accessible Publishers has become a lighthouse guiding our learners from the shores of ignorance to the land of enlightenment.”
At the core of all these commendations lies a powerful partnership: the Room-to-Read/Accessible Publishers Book Adaptation Project. With the theme “Promoting Early Grade Reading through Culturally Relevant Storybooks in Indigenous Languages”, the project seeks to adapt children’s storybooks into Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba, anchoring learning in the mother tongue and affirming Nigeria’s rich linguistic heritage. This is not just a publishing exercise—it is a mission to reignite the flame of literacy, one culturally resonant story at a time.
According to the Hon. Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology who was represented by Mrs. Felicia Oyerinde said, “This partnership is a match made in literacy heaven.” Together, Room-to-Read and Accessible Publishers are not just publishing books—they are publishing identity, relevance, and belonging.”
The high-calibre turnout alone was a testament to the credibility of the initiative and the confidence reposed in both Room-to-Read and Accessible Publishers.
According to Mr. Laide Ladioi who represented the ExecutiveSecretary, Oyo SUBEB said, “I came here today not just as a guest but as a witness to history. And I can tell you this project will transform how Nigerian children learn to read and how they learn to love their roots.”
Accessible Publishers’ continuing exploits in the educationa field, like its global recognition by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and World Blind Union (WBU) for accessibility were proudly referenced by many speakers. Kogi commissioner Dr. Aderibigbe remarked, “Being ranked among the top three inclusive publishers in the world is no fluke. Room to Read couldn’t have chosen a better partner for this noble task. Accessible Publishers is gold-standard.”
Speakers also highlighted how Accessible Publishers’ materials continue to light up classrooms in underserved communities, using both print and digital tools to reach learners wherever they are.
In an era where many partnerships are plagued by problems, the collaboration between Room-to-Read and Accessible Publishers stands as a blueprint for authentic impact. It’s a partnership where vision meets values, and where books do more than inform—they inspire. And as one education officer so fittingly summed it up: “Accessible Publishers doesn’t just publish books, they publish futures.”
With such unanimous endorsements, it’s safe to say that Accessible Publishers is not just a trusted name—it is a national treasure. So, let the children read. Let the culture speak. Let the partnership blossom.
Because when words take wings, destinies take flight!
