Evans Publishers Empowers Visually-Impaired Learners

A new chapter has opened for visually impaired learners in Oyo State as Evans Brothers Nigeria Publishers deepens access to reading through an inclusive literacy project that places Braille and audio resources at the heart of education.

The initiative, unveiled on Tuesday, January 20, in Ibadan, saw the presentation of Braille storybooks and the provision of digital access to audiobooks for pupils in four special needs schools: Omoyeni Special Basic School, Adesola, OritaAperin; CAC Special Basic School, Oniyanrin; Special Basic School, Sharp Corner, Oke Ado; and Bioku Alaadun Special School, Amuloko. For many of the learners, the resources mark a rare opportunity to engage with stories independently and joyfully.

Speaking at the presentation held at the company’s headquarters, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Evans Brothers, Alhaji Lukman Dauda, described the project as an extension of the firm’s long-standing commitment to social responsibility and educational equity.

“We understand the needs of the visually impaired community, and that is why we are launching these Braille storybooks and digital audiobooks,” he said. “Our goal is to give pupils with visual impairment equal access to education and to strengthen the reading culture among them.”

Alhaji Dauda, who also serves as the President of the Nigerian Publishers Association (NPA), explained that the project features five carefully selected storybooks designed to inspire imagination, build confidence and foster a sense of belonging. He added that the company hopes to expand the initiative to more schools across Oyo State and eventually nationwide.

Beyond access, the project underscores the role of storytelling in shaping young minds. By translating familiar narratives into Braille and audio formats, the publisher is ensuring that children who are visually impaired are not excluded from the formative pleasures of reading—listening to characters come alive, following plots, and developing language skills that support lifelong learning.

The Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Olusegun Olayiwola, commended the initiative, describing it as a model of effective public-private collaboration.

Represented at the event by a director in the ministry, Mrs F. C. Omotoso, the commissioner reaffirmed the government’s commitment to inclusive education.

According to her, the government continues to support learners with special needs through free education, free feeding, brailling of textbooks and the procurement of specialised equipment to enhance teaching and learning. “Our aim is to ensure that learners with disabilities are on the same page as their non-disabled counterparts,” she said.

In the same vein, the Director-General of the Oyo State Agency for People Living with Disabilities, Barrister Ayodele Adekanbi, praised Evans Brothers for setting a pace that others can follow.

He noted that initiatives of this nature not only support learners but also raise awareness about the capabilities of persons living with disabilities.

Barrister Adekanbi urged the beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity, stressing that education remains a powerful tool for people with visual impairment to achieve personal fulfilment and societal impact.

The Oyo State Coordinator, the Nigeria Copyright Commission (NCC), Mrs Oluropo Oke, who represented Commission’s DG, Dr John Asein, also applauded the publishing firm, describing the project as a thoughtful blend of creativity, inclusion and respect for intellectual property in accessible formats.

The high point of the event came when a pupil of Omoyeni Special Basic School confidently read from one of the newly presented Braille storybooks, drawing warm applause from guests.

The moment served as a vivid reminder that when access is provided, ability shines — affirming literacy as a right that should know no barriers.