Tuesday November 11, 2025
www.thenewsdesk.ng
The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) Monday warned schools in Akwa Ibom against involvement in piracy.
NCC state coordinator, Uyo Office, Mrs Cornelia Ibanga, gave the warning while embarking on inspection of school bookshops in Uyo metropolis on Monday.
She observed that some schools have maintained the standard of patronising credible publishers, but lamented that some schools were still sourcing books from piracy hot-spots for their students.
She stated that the commission will henceforth treat such schools as booksellers and hold them accountable for any pirated books found in their premises or in the possession of their students
She advised school owners to be vigilant and take precautions to avoid being complicit in book piracy.
“Though there had been a series of meetings and discussions in which school proprietors and owners had promised to comply with provisions of the Act, it was important that the commission monitors to ensure that they keep to their words and know the weight of enforcement where necessary.
“I will like to advise schools to patronize publishers directly or through their representatives or reputable book stores, exercising caution and due diligence in their dealings with distributors and book importers insisting on signed invoices and receipts.”
Ibanga advised book users and sellers to patronize known publishers for the distribution of books and assured members of the public of its commitment to sanitise book supply chain.
