Temitope Adebayo
The Nigerian publishing industry is witnessing a bold literary intervention with the simultaneous release of two books by emerging writer, Oluwatosin Akinrinde. The collections – Deathbed and Other Poems and Out-of-school Children and Other Stories – have been published by the Academic Publishing Centre of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), reflecting the centre’s growing role in promoting socially relevant works in Nigeria’s book market.
The dual release signals not only a significant moment for the country’s literary sector but also highlights how publishers are increasingly investing in works that explore pressing national issues. Both books shed light on themes such as poverty, insecurity, weak educational systems, mental health, and the struggles of young Nigerians in the face of economic hardship.
For Akinrinde, the books are more than literary projects; they are meant to provoke dialogue and reflection. “These two books are not just creative works; they are interventions,” he said. “I wanted to reflect the human cost of Nigeria’s social fractures, from children denied education to women trapped in cycles of neglect and poverty. At the same time, literature must hold a mirror to society while insisting on courage and possibility.”
In Out-of-school Children and Other Stories, Akinrinde captures human experiences ranging from education inequality to migration and economic struggles. The stories include portrayals of the lives of Northern beggars in Lagos, the tough realities of unemployed youth, and the neglected struggles of mothers battling poverty. The collection also examines subjects often ignored in mainstream Nigerian literature, such as the trauma of “kitoing” within the LGBTQIA+ community and the emotional toll of emigration.
The companion poetry collection, Deathbed and Other Poems, is an exploration of mortality and societal decay. It includes reflections on life and death as well as lyrical critiques of healthcare collapse, tribalism, terrorism, and police brutality.
For the Academic Publishing Centre, the release strengthens its positioning as a hub for socially impactful publications at a time when Nigeria’s publishing industry is seeking growth beyond academic texts into wider commercial markets.
“These two collections are a necessary intervention in contemporary Nigerian discourse,” said Dr. Moji Shodipe, Director of the Academic Publishing Centre. “They serve as a vital, unvarnished record of the Nigerian experience, and their publication underscores our commitment to nurturing voices that engage with the country’s realities.”
Industry observers say the launch reflects a growing appetite among Nigerian readers for literature that engages with real socio-political issues. For UNILAG’s publishing arm, the releases could boost visibility and open fresh commercial opportunities in a competitive market still challenged by low reading culture and rising production costs.
With the dual launch, Akinrinde joins a new wave of Nigerian writers leveraging university presses and independent publishers to bring socially conscious stories into mainstream literary and commercial spaces.
