Abuja: Dr. John Asein, Director-General of the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), has called on the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS) to collaborate with the commission to instill the value of the copyright system in their institutions. This appeal was made during the 176th Congress of ANCOPSS, FCT Branch, held at the Government Science and Technical College in Kwali, Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Asein emphasized the critical role principals play in fostering excellence among students by harnessing their creative potential and ensuring an understanding of the copyright system from a young age. He highlighted the importance of collaboration between ANCOPSS and NCC to achieve these objectives. Asein urged principals to act as moral compasses and master builders, advocating for increased cooperation to integrate the value of the copyright system into schools.
The NCC Director-General also addressed the issue of piracy in educational materials, noting that many pirates have shifted their operations to schools. He warned that some principals might unknowingly or knowingly participate in this illegal trade, underscoring the need for vigilance in acquiring books for students. He questioned the pricing discrepancies of books sourced from different locations, pointing to piracy as a likely cause. Asein appealed to principals to comply with the Copyright Act, which criminalizes the possession, sale, or distribution of pirated books for commercial purposes.
Asein reinforced the role of principals as gatekeepers and character molders in the education system, urging them to address issues in the book sector by engaging with key stakeholders. He announced NCC’s increased involvement in promoting copyright knowledge in schools and encouraged principals to support this initiative.
Furthermore, he revealed that NCC is conducting more inspections and spot visits to schools to combat piracy. He urged principals to cooperate and educate their members to avoid disruptions due to enforcement actions.
Mr. Samuel Okpe, National Public Relations Officer of ANCOPSS, expressed gratitude for Asein’s timely information on combating piracy. He pledged that ANCOPSS would address piracy as part of their agenda and guide principals on obtaining books correctly.
Dr. Innocent Agbanu, Chairman of the Nigeria Publishers Association (NPA), praised Asein’s presentation for enlightening principals on the Copyright Act. Agbanu noted issues with school owners not patronizing publishers directly and appreciated the clarity provided by Asein on the importance of supporting legitimate publishers.