Ini Billie, Uyo
The University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, has opened a state-of-the-art printing press and digital limited worth N350 million in a Public Private Partnership (PPP) between the institution and the Managing Director of Brainspace Limited.
Speaking on Monday in Uyo during the commissioning of the printing press, Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Prof. Nyaudoh Ndaeyo said the facility will revolutionise the academic and research endeavours of the institution.
Ndaeyo explained that the facility, which is well-equipped with current technology and skilled professionals, would enable the institution to produce high-quality publications, journals, and other materials, that meet with international standards.
“We celebrate the official opening of our state-of-the-art Printing Press and Digital Limited, a facility that will revolutionize our academic and research endeavours.
“It is a fulfilment of the long-standing dreams of the university to have its printing press. This project is a testament to our university’s unwavering commitment to innovation, excellence, sustainability and our quest to positively impact our community,” he stated.
The VC said the facility would offer students, staff and members of the public opportunities for hands-on training, research and innovation, and encouraged them to produce outstanding work that would show creativity and talent, without compromising quality and service delivery.
While speaking, the Managing Director of the printing press, Mr Kufre Paul said one of the innovations of the press was the preservation of African books, African authors, and other African scholarly materials.
Kufre explained that the 24-hour printing press has a digital platform where African books, indigenous stories and literary pieces which are rare and no longer accessible would be stored for generations to come.
“The establishment of Uniuyo Printing Press and Digital Ltd is more than just an expansion of our university’s capabilities. It represents a significant leap in our mission to provide world-class educational resources, foster innovation, and support the academic and professional growth of our students and faculties.
“Unlike many other university printing presses that adhere to traditional methods, we are committed to expanding our capacity to leverage digital advancements to enhance efficiency, accessibility, and quality in printing services.
“This digital integration allows us to deliver dynamic printing capabilities, including variable data printing, digital archiving, and on-demand publishing, thereby meeting the evolving demands of modern academia and beyond.
“But permit me to mention here that another epic service pioneered by UNIUYO Printing Press and Digital Ltd is the Project Africa Initiative. “Project Africa,” to us, connotes the preservation of our African books, African Authors, and other African scholarly materials.
“With UNIUYO Printing Press and Digital Ltd, its Project Africa Initiative, has come to the rescue. Our indigenous scholarly work will henceforth be preserved, as we will collate, collect, and convert every scholarly piece written by Africans or authors of African Descent into electronic format and archive them on the internet where it can be accessed by both the present and the future,” he stated.