A team from the University of Ibadan library has paid a courtesy visit to the Best in Print Academy in Ibadan, Oyo state capital, to strengthen town-and-gown collaboration and commitment to bridging the gap between academic theory and vocational practice in Nigeria’s publishing industry.
The team, led by Mercy Iroaganachi, the university’s librarian, visited the academy’s premises in Oyo state Small Scale Industrial Complex at Iyaganku on May 3.
A statement released by Olufemi Ogunyejo, the registrar of Best in Print Academy, said the visit was aimed at renewing hopes for academic-industry synergy.
Speaking during the visit, Iroaganachi applauded the academy as “a timely intervention” capable of transforming Nigeria’s publishing landscape.
“This academy is a beacon of hope, designed to close the chasm between knowledge and practice,” Iroaganachi said.
She praised the academy for providing a fertile ground for student internships, research, and experiential learning in information, archival, publishing, and media studies.
Gbadega Adedapo, the proprietor of the academy and managing director of Accessible Publishers Ltd, emphasised the outfit’s mission as a strategic response to the nation’s skill deficit in the printing and publishing value chain.
“Our industry is crying for skilled hands, ethical practices, and global-standard training,” he said. “Best In Print Academy was created to answer that cry,” Adedapo told the visitors.
He also pledged to donate educational resources to the Kenneth Dike Library and support future joint initiatives.
The visit featured a detailed presentation by Ogunyejo, who outlined the academy’s “robust” diploma and certificate programmes, including print production, digital publishing, graphic design, offset lithography, publishing management, and more.
He also shared success stories of alumni, who, according to him, are now thriving in Nigeria’s media and publishing sectors.
A guided tour of the academy’s cutting-edge facilities — including pre-press studios, web-offset presses, and finishing equipment — further impressed the visiting team.
“This is not a mere training centre; it’s a cathedral of craftsmanship,” remarked one of the UI representatives.
The two institutions explored areas of collaboration, including curriculum exchange, sabbatical placements, staff training, and student internships.
The University of Ibadan team, led by Iroaganachi, includes Abiodun Ojo, reference librarian and deputy university librarian (ICT and systems); Joseph Olorunsaye, the head of technical and infrastructure; and Patrick Agiru.
The Best in Print Academy team, led by Adedapo, included Ogunyejo, the registrar; Akanni Taiwo, administrative head; and Tosin Akeredolu, head of corporate communications.
University of Ibadan Library Team Visits Best In Print Academy
