Evans Brothers Nigeria Publishers Limited has launched an inclusive literacy initiative to empower more than 60 visually impaired learners drawn from selected special schools in Ibadan, Oyo State, through the distribution of free braille and audio storybooks.
The initiative, unveiled during a presentation of learning materials on Tuesday, is aimed at strengthening independent reading skills and promoting lifelong literacy among learners with visual impairments. It forms part of the company’s broader commitment to accessible, inclusive and high-quality education.
Speaking at the event, Managing Director of Evans Publishers, Mr. Lukman Dauda, said the programme reflects the company’s belief that sustainable national development cannot be achieved without deliberately including underserved and special-needs communities in literacy and education initiatives.
“As one of Nigeria’s long-standing indigenous publishing organisations, Evans Brothers has remained committed to advancing learning through the development of curriculum-compliant and socially responsive educational resources,” Dauda said.
“Evans Publishers is also one of the few companies that have signed on to the Marrakesh Treaty, which seeks to facilitate access to published works for persons who are blind, visually impaired or otherwise print-disabled.”
He explained that the distribution of braille storybooks, alongside audio-enabled digital access to selected titles, marks the formal launch of the company’s inclusive literacy drive in Ibadan. According to him, the initiative leverages both braille and audio formats to widen access to learning materials while using technology to extend the reach and impact of educational content.
Dauda noted that the programme is designed to promote equitable access to literacy resources for visually impaired learners, strengthen reading culture, and support language development through alternative learning formats. He added that it also reinforces Evans Publishers’ long-term corporate commitment to educational development, social inclusion and innovation in publishing.
Also speaking, Director-General of the Nigerian Copyright Commission, Dr. John Asein, represented by the Oyo State Coordinator, Mrs. Oluropo Oke, described the shortage of accessible books for persons with print disabilities in developing countries as a “book famine.”
“Only a small fraction of published works is available in formats that visually impaired learners can read or use independently,” Asein said. “Initiatives like this help to address that gap by placing accessible learning materials directly in the hands of learners.”
The Director-General of the Oyo State Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Barrister Ayodele Adekanmbi, commended Evans Publishers for integrating persons with disabilities into its corporate social responsibility efforts, while the Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Olusegun Olayiwola, said the initiative would make a meaningful impact on inclusive education and literacy development in the state.
The beneficiary schools include CAC Special Basic School, Oniyanrin Ibadan; Omoyeni Special Basic School, Orita Aperin, Ibadan; Special Basic School, Sharp Corner, Oke Ado, Ibadan; and Bioku Alaadun Special Basic School, Amuloko, Ibadan.
