Show me a man diligent in his work. Tell him he will stand before kings and nobles not mean, mundane men. And so it is that Dr Sunday Omoniyi Obiyinka, Chairman/CEO, Extension Publications Limited, continues to rub shoulders with the kings, the nobles, the high and the mighty, locally, internationally, because of his remarkable diligence and unmatched commitment to the profession he is passionate about; book publishing. His journey into book publishing started with Onibonoje Publishers and Book Industries (Nig) Ltd., a foremost indigenous publisher in Nigeria, where he worked meritoriously between 1996 and 2001 after which he birthed his own publishing firm, Extension Publications Ltd in 2004. Between 2004 and now, Dr Sunday Obiyinka has built Extension Publications to become a global brand, a multi-billion naira company and one of the most reputable publishing firms in Nigeria.
Extension Publications Limited’s phenomenal rise did not happen by accident. It is a result of sheer grit, uncommon business acumen and par-excellent managerial and administrative ability exhibited by the founder and promoter, Dr Obiyinka.
Dr Sunday Omoniyi Obiyinka attended Onireke Grammar School, Ibadan, where he obtained his West African Senior School Certificate. He proceeded to University of Ilorin to obtain Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry/Education. His thirst for knowledge led him to acquire his Masters Degree from the University of Ibadan’s Faculty of Education in Library and Archival Studies. Dr Obiyinka absorbed himself fully into the art and practice of book publishing as he continues to restlessly learn and sharpen his skills, opening new frontiers in book packaging and production to ensure that books get into the hands of young readers. This passion for book publishing pushed him to enroll for PhD in Publishing and Copyright Studies at the prestigious University of Ibadan. At the end of the gruelling PhD academic journey at the premier university, Dr Obiyinka bagged PhD in Publishing and Copyright Studies, the first to hold the peak of academic degrees in that discipline not only in University of Ibadan but also in Nigeria. Professor Andrew Okwilagwe who was the first to hold PhD in Publishing and Copyright Studies got his from Stirling University, Scotland, United Kingdom. To further sharpen his managerial and administrative skills, Dr Obiyinka earlier enrolled at the Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru near Jos, where he underwent rigorous training for a whole year to bag Membership of the National Institute (MNI).
In recognition of his immense contributions to the growth and development of Ibadan as a major employer of labour, a shrewd manager of men and resources, having his business headquarters in Ibadan, and a fervent contributor to philanthropy, Dr Sunday Obiyinka was conferred with the title of Jagun Agbaoye of Ibadanland by the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso I.
Dr Obiyinka is seeking to lead Nigerian Publishers Association (NPA), the trade and professional association of publishers in Nigeria for a new tenure in an election coming up towards the end of November, 2024. NPA was established in 1965 and the association has been a rallying point for publishers of hard books, digital books and journals. NPA engenders a forum for book publishers to put heads together and discuss issues that have to do with book publishing industry. Book publishing industry holds an indispensable position in the education sector in Nigeria and this makes book publishers valuable stakeholders in educational matters affecting the country. By implication, an Association like NPA is too important to the success of education in Nigeria to be left in the hands of charlatans. This is the same organisation Dr Obiyinka seeks to lead, bringing his wealth of experience as an all-rounder book publisher, who started Extension Publications Limited from the scratch and deployed his sterling managerial and administrative acumen to build Extension Publications Limited into, unarguably, one of the most reputable book publishing firms in Nigeria, as a dogged scholar and practitioner in the field of Publishing and Copyright Studies and an innovative leader of men and materials.
Electing Dr Obiyinka to steer the ship of NPA for a new tenure will augur well for the Association and its members. His election will place him among the few who built a book publishing firm from the scratch and were opportune to lead NPA. Dr Obiyinka already has his job as NPA President well cut out for him because of his intense understanding of the issues, challenges and prospects in book publishing. He will ensure that the rights of the individual and collective members of NPA are protected and will give small and medium publishers opportunity to thrive in the industry while ensuring that large-scale publishing firms are assisted to stay afloat. As a passionate believer in education and knowledge acquisition, one of Dr Obiyinka’s cardinal agenda is to enhance good reading culture among youths in Nigeria as this is what will improve book output and sales. He has many impressive programs up his sleeves in his aim to take NPA higher than where it currently is. He is going to build on the successes of his predecessors and rejuvenate the Association for better performances for the benefits of members, education sector and Nigeria.
