DIRECTOR-GENERAL, Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), Dr. John Asein, has cautioned school principals in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) against allowing their schools to be used for the sale and distribution of pirated books.
Dr. Asein issued the warning while addressing the 176th Congress of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), FCT, held at Government Science and Technical College, Kwali, on 11 November 2025. He described principals as critical stakeholders in the education system whose roles as gatekeepers and moulders of character are central to addressing challenges in the book sector.
The NCC boss noted that pirates are increasingly shifting their operations from bookshops to schools, often disguising themselves as publishers’ representatives or booksellers, offering cheaper books. While some school heads may be unaware of these activities, he expressed concern that others deliberately collaborate with pirates for illicit gain.
He reiterated that under the Copyright Act, the possession or distribution of pirated books for commercial purposes is a criminal offence. According to him, any school that sells books will henceforth be treated as a bookseller and held liable for copyright infractions. Although the NCC does not regulate schools, he explained that the law empowers the Commission to enter any premises where copyright infringement is reasonably suspected.
Dr. Asein stressed that piracy is detrimental to authors, publishers, the book industry, and Nigeria’s knowledge ecosystem, adding that the trend has necessitated intensified inspections, spot checks, and visits to piracy hotspots, including schools.
Reacting to the address, ANCOPSS National Public Relations Officer and Principal of Government Secondary School, Kwali, Mr. Okpe Samuel, described the message as timely, assuring that the information would be cascaded to principals across the FCT to guide proper book procurement.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Nigeria Publishers Association (NPA), FCT Chapter, Dr. Innocent Agbamu, commended the NCC’s firm stance on copyright enforcement and urged principals to avoid pirated books. He assured schools that publishers are willing to supply genuine books at affordable prices lamenting that piracy continues to undermine publishers’ sustainability.
Dr. Asein further disclosed that the NCC would provide verification channels, including dedicated phone numbers and an online platform, to help principals confirm the authenticity of books. He also announced a proposed regulation for the registration of all persons and institutions involved in the sale of books and other copyright works, subject to approval by the Attorney-General of the Federation.
The visit also featured compliance inspections of bookshops, schools, and roadside Art shops in Gwagwalada, FCT.
Amos Abutu
For: Director-General
