Publishing Executive • EdTech Pioneer

Gbadega
Adedapo

B.Sc., MBA

Transforming African education through publishing innovation and technology. From a single Yoruba-language book to shaping the future of a continent's publishing industry.

Explore the Journey
Gbadega Adedapo
0+Years in Publishing
$0M+Secured for Africa
0M+Young Africans Impacted
0+IPA Seminar Delegates
Gbadega Adedapo at international conference
23+ years building Africa's publishing future
About

A Life Dedicated to Education & Publishing

Gbadega Adedapo is one of Africa's most influential publishing executives — a visionary who has spent over two decades transforming how a continent accesses knowledge. The name "Adedapo" is of Yoruba origin, meaning "the crown brings the people together" — a fitting name for a man who has united publishers across an entire continent.

His journey began with a single book published in Yoruba — Ise Esu (Devil's Handiwork) — born from a passion for promoting local languages and making reading accessible to all. Today, he leads the charge on AI-powered digital textbooks, continental publishing reform, and inclusive education for millions.

B.Sc. Computer Science & Statistics — Olabisi Onabanjo University
MBA — Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
NYU — Publishing Strategy; Cover Concepts & Design
London — Strategic Publishing Management
"Publishing, literacy and access to books are prerequisites for success in life and the development of our countries and continent. Strong publishing industries and national cultures of reading are the foundations for socio-economic development."
— Gbadega Adedapo, IPA Lagos Seminar 2018
Leadership

Roles & Positions

MD/CEO

Accessible Publishers Ltd

Current

Founder

Rasmed Publications Limited

23+ Years

Former President

Nigerian Publishers Association (NPA)

National

Executive Committee

International Publishers Association (IPA)

Global

Chair

IPA Africa Action Plan Committee

Continental

Presenter

WIPO Conference, Yaoundé, Cameroon

International
Journey

From One Book to Global Industry Leadership

~2000

The Beginning

Founded Rasmed Publications with a single Yoruba-language book — Ise Esu (Devil's Handiwork). Driven by a passion to promote local languages and make reading interesting.

2000s

Building an Empire

Grew Rasmed into an award-winning educational publisher producing textbooks for top schools, private companies, and public sector nationwide across Nigeria.

2017

National & Global Leadership

Elected President of the Nigerian Publishers Association (NPA) and to the Executive Committee of the International Publishers Association (IPA).

May 2018

IPA Lagos Seminar

Co-organized the first IPA Regional Seminar on Publishing in Africa at Eko Hotels, Lagos. 200+ delegates. Brought Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie as keynote. Developed the Lagos Action Plan. Read full story →

2018

WIPO Cameroon

Presented at WIPO conference in Yaoundé alongside publishers from South Africa, Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, and Morocco on educational publishing and development.

2019

$1M+ & Nairobi

Led IPA Africa Seminar in Nairobi. Signed MOUs with APNET and ADEA. Secured $1 Million+ from Dubai Cares for the African Publishing Innovation Fund (APIF). Read full story →

2021

Rebrand & New Mission

Rebranded Rasmed Publications → Accessible Publishers Ltd. New mission: make educational materials inclusive and accessible across all formats. COVID-19 accelerated the digital pivot.

2023

Industry Advocacy

Presented "Building Synergy Between Printers and Publishers" at International Print Expo. Advocated for National Book Policy, Copyright Act reform, and investment in modern printing technology for the $3B Nigerian book industry.

2024

Accessible Studybase

Launched Accessible Studybase at Nigeria International Book Fair — a comprehensive platform for virtual teaching, enrollment, attendance, payments, and school administration. Endorsed by NPA President, UBEC, and Booksellers Association.

2025

AI-Powered Textbooks

Launched Nigeria's first AI-powered digital textbook designed specifically for Nigerian schools. A new chapter in African educational technology.

Lagos Action Plan Panel - Gbadega Adedapo and colleagues

Impacting 11 Million+ Young Africans

Through the African Publishing Innovation Fund

Impact

Key Achievements

View detailed portfolio →  |  Impact →  |  IPA Seminars →  |  Lagos Action Plan →

01

Nigeria's First AI-Powered Digital Textbook

Pioneering AI integration into educational publishing for Nigerian schools.

02

$1 Million+ from Dubai Cares

Established APIF — a 4-year grant programme impacting 11 million young Africans.

03

Lagos Action Plan

5 Transformation Goals for African publishing — a continental roadmap.

04

IPA Africa Seminar Series

Landmark seminars in Lagos (2018) and Nairobi (2019) with 200+ delegates.

05

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Keynote

Brought Africa's most celebrated author to address the publishing industry.

06

Pan-African Partnerships

MOUs with APNET, ADEA. Partnership with Nielsen Book Research for data systems.

07

Accessible Studybase Platform

Comprehensive EdTech: virtual classrooms, enrollment, attendance, payments.

08

$3B Industry Advocacy

National Book Policy, Copyright Act reform, anti-piracy, digital reading.

The Lagos Action Plan

5 Transformation Goals for African Publishing

A continental roadmap developed under Gbadega's leadership, backed by $1 Million+ from Dubai Cares and endorsed by the International Publishers Association. Read the full plan →

01

Enhancing Stakeholder Collaboration and Coordination

02

Advancing Innovative Solutions to Longstanding Challenges

03

Making Africa's Copyright Framework Fit for the Digital Era

04

Leveraging Data for Advocacy and Digital Transformation

05

Promoting Diversity and Inclusiveness in Global Publishing

In His Own Words

"Education shouldn't be confined by physical limitations. Accessible Studybase breaks down barriers, offering a pathway to knowledge that transcends traditional boundaries."

"I felt there was a need to promote our local languages in order to connect with readers' minds, to make reading interesting, to educate people and to promote literacy."

"We are adding value to society, but the government is only looking at us. If we shut down everything pertaining to books, the government will be forced to sit down and listen."

"This platform is more than just software. It's a testament to our resilience in the face of adversity and our determination to empower the next generation of learners."

Business Portfolio

The Adedapo Group of Companies

A diversified portfolio spanning publishing, technology, media, retail, printing, and investments — all rooted in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Accessible Publishers

Accessible Publishers Ltd

EdTech • AI • Digital Publishing

Nigeria's pioneering EdTech publisher. Home of Accessible Studybase and the country's first AI-powered digital textbook. Formerly Rasmed Publications (est. ~2000).

Visit Website →
Best Technologies

Best Technologies Ltd

IT Services • Software • Digital Solutions • Ibadan

A hub of innovation and expertise in the heart of Ibadan, Oyo State. Services include IT support, software development, web design, and digital marketing — catering to the diverse needs of businesses and individuals. Provides the technical backbone for the group's digital publishing initiatives.

Best In Print

Commercial Printing • Book Production • Ibadan

Professional printing company completing the publishing value chain — from manuscript to finished product. Produces textbooks, educational materials, marketing collateral, and commercial print. Ensures quality control and reduces dependence on outsourced printing, keeping production local and costs manageable.

BuyBooks NG

E-Commerce • Book Retail • buybooks.ng

Online bookstore bridging the gap between publishers and Nigerian readers. Makes educational and general interest books accessible nationwide — solving the distribution challenge that has long plagued Nigerian publishing. Direct-to-consumer channel for Accessible Publishers titles and beyond.

Visit Store →

Oxygen 96.9 FM

Radio Broadcasting • Media • Ibadan

Radio station extending the mission of literacy, education, and community engagement through broadcast media. Reaches audiences beyond the printed page — promoting reading culture, educational content, and local voices across Oyo State and beyond. Part of Ibadan's growing media landscape.

Epitome Investments

Investment • Holdings • Diversification

Investment and holdings company supporting the growth, diversification, and sustainability of the Adedapo business portfolio. Provides the financial infrastructure for expansion into new sectors and strategic acquisitions.

Global Network

Partnerships & Collaborations

International Publishers Association (IPA)
Dubai Cares
Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi
APNET (African Publishers Network)
ADEA
Nielsen Book Research
Nigerian Copyright Commission
UBEC
WIPO
NERDC
Connect

Get in Touch

For speaking engagements, publishing partnerships, educational technology collaborations, or media inquiries.

info@accessiblepublishers.com +234 807 983 3768 WhatsApp: +234 704 514 9649 accessiblepublishers.com rasmedpublications.com

Ibadan, Nigeria