NIBF 2025 Conference: NBFT Announces Prof. Abiodun Oluwafemi Oluwadare as Keynote Speaker

NIBF 2025 CONFERENCE: NBFT ANNOUNCES PROF. ABIODUN OLUWAFEMI OLUWADARE AS KEYNOTE SPEAKER

 

By Wole Adedoyin

The Nigeria Book Fair Trust (NBFT) has unveiled Professor Abiodun Oluwafemi Oluwadare as the Keynote Speaker for the 24th edition of the Nigeria International Book Fair (NIBF) International Conference, slated for Wednesday, May 7, 2025. This landmark event will be held at the prestigious Balmoral Convention Centre, Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, running daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Following the success of the 2024 conference, which centered on “Universal Basic Education and the Book Ecosystem: Setting the Agenda” and featured Professor Olufemi Victor Adeoluwa as keynote speaker, the 2025 conference shifts its focus to a pressing and practical theme: “Local Paper Production: Panacea to Affordable Book Production and Qualitative Education.”

In a statement issued by the Chairman of NBFT, Mr. Oluwadare Oluwatuyi, the Trust emphasized that the selection of Professor Oluwadare was a strategic choice aligned with the conference’s theme. The Honourable Minister of Education is also expected to officially declare the book fair open, lending further gravitas to the annual intellectual gathering.

Professor Oluwadare, an erudite scholar and renowned authority in pulp and paper science, brings with him decades of academic excellence and innovation. Born on December 30, 1962, in Eyio Ekiti, Ekiti State, his educational journey began in Ekiti and Lagos, culminating in a B.Sc. in Forest Resources Management from the University of Ibadan in 1986, where he graduated as the best student in his department.

Following his National Youth Service in Benue State and a master's degree, Professor Oluwadare joined the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO), where his research contributed significantly to Nigeria's industrial development. In 1998, he transitioned to academia at the University of Ibadan, where he has since risen to the rank of Professor of Wood Quality, Pulp, and Paper Science.

With more than 100 scholarly publications to his name, Professor Oluwadare is widely recognized for pioneering research in the use of kenaf and other local materials for sustainable paper production. His work on species like Acacia auriculiformis and paper birch showcases his commitment to environmentally conscious and locally driven solutions to paper challenges in Nigeria.

Beyond his research, he has held numerous leadership roles, including Dean of Faculty and Acting Head of Department. He is a recipient of several prestigious awards, including the Commonwealth Forestry Bureau Prize and the Laurie Prize, and has secured funding from global and national organizations such as the MacArthur Foundation and TETFUND.

A respected member of professional bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Professional Printers of Nigeria (CIPPON) and the Society for Wood Science and Technology (USA), Professor Oluwadare has also partnered with institutions like the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria and the Raw Materials Research and Development Council to influence policy and industry practice in Nigeria’s publishing and paper sectors.

As NIBF 2025 approaches, anticipation is high. Professor Oluwadare’s keynote address is expected to ignite deep conversations around the urgent need for local alternatives in paper production and their role in democratizing access to quality education through affordable book publishing.

NBFT invites all stakeholders—publishers, authors, educators, policymakers, and book lovers—to be part of this intellectually rich and transformative event, one that promises to chart new paths toward a self-sustaining publishing ecosystem in Nigeria.

 

NIBF 2025: NBFT Unveils Programs for 24th Edition of Nigeria International Book Fair

 

NIBF 2025: NBFT UNVEILS PROGRAMS FOR 24TH EDITION OF NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL BOOK FAIR

 

By Wole Adedoyin

The Nigeria Book Fair Trust (NBFT), the official organizer of the Nigeria International Book Fair (NIBF), has officially unveiled a lineup of educative, informative, and engaging programs for the 24th edition of the Nigeria International Book Fair, set to take place from Wednesday, May 7 to Friday, May 9, 2025.

The event will be held at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, and will run from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm daily.

In a statement issued by Mr. Oluwadare Oluwatuyi—Chairman of the Nigeria Book Fair Trust (NBFT), Managing Director of CSS Bookshops Limited, immediate past President of the Booksellers Association, and a key member of the Management Team of the UN SDG Book Club Africa Chapter, he described the forthcoming edition of the Nigeria International Book Fair (NIBF) as a vibrant convergence of ideas, knowledge, and culture.

According to Mr. Oluwatuyi, this year’s edition has been thoughtfully designed to address the dynamic and ever-changing needs of Nigeria’s book industry while reigniting passion for books, literacy, and lifelong learning. He noted that the fair’s robust lineup of events will not only stimulate intellectual discourse but also promote education and foster cultural appreciation across diverse demographics.

Themed activities will span the three-day book fair, with each day dedicated to a unique and impactful initiative. Day One will kick off with an International Conference and Networking Dinner, bringing together authors, publishers, booksellers, librarians, printers, policymakers, and other key stakeholders for high-level discussions on trends shaping the global publishing industry.

Day Two of NIBF 2025 will feature a robust Tertiary Education Summit, organized in collaboration with the Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities. This summit will provide a platform to discuss the challenges, innovations, and future direction of tertiary education in Nigeria, highlighting the critical role of academic institutions in national development.

The final day, Day Three, will be dedicated to children, with a variety of Children’s Activities and Competitions planned to foster reading habits, creativity, and early literacy among the younger generation. Schools and parents are encouraged to take advantage of this fun-filled learning opportunity designed for children of all ages.

In addition to the daily programs, a series of Concurrent Events will run throughout the fair. These include Books and Allied Products Exhibitions, Stakeholders’ Workshops, as well as Seminars and Conferences, aimed at capacity building and professional development within the publishing and education sectors.

This year’s book fair is proudly powered by Nixin Paper Mill Nigeria Limited, whose support has further strengthened the scope and reach of the event. With hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of participants expected, the 2025 edition is projected to be the most expansive and inclusive yet.

NBFT extends an open invitation to educators, students, parents, book lovers, and stakeholders across the knowledge and creative industries to attend the fair and contribute to the ongoing dialogue on the power of books and education in national transformation.

As preparations continue, the NBFT assures the public that all logistical and programmatic arrangements are in place to deliver a memorable and impactful event. Attendees are encouraged to mark their calendars and register early to secure their participation in this grand celebration of books, learning, and innovation.

For more information, updates, and registration details, please visit the official NIBF website at www.nibfng.org or email at info@nibfng.org. We look forward to welcoming you to NIBF 2025!