By Clara NWACHUKWU

The Sir Emeka Offor Foundation, SEOF, and US-based, Books for Africa, BFA, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, to distribute about 640,000 books and other study materials to Nigerian schools.

The books are valued at approximately $7million, while the shipment will cost approximately $400,000. They are to be delivered and distributed to the beneficiaries between November 1, 2011 and November 1, 2014. The beneficiaries include primary, secondary and tertiary institutions in all the geo-political zones in the country.

A copy of the MoU made available to Sweetcrude, revealed that the partners anticipate to ship the books in a 32, 40-foot sea containers. “More containers may be shipped under this agreement, if desired by the recipient,” the MoU read in part.

Under the terms of the agreements, BFA will “provide 32 or more 40-foot sea containers each carrying approximately 20,000 textbook (20 tonnes) to the ports of Onne in Rivers State or Lagos, Nigeria, with books category selections made by SEOF or its representatives.”

The shipment of the materials will be done in batches, as 16 containers will be sent in the first year, eight in the second, and another eight in the third.

“Each 40-foot container shall carry a valuation of approximately $219,000. Under this agreement, up to 20% of the containers may include university books at an additional cost per container of $4,500. Donated, refurbished computers may also be provided as ordered at a cost of $150-$240 per unit depending upon the type of computer requested. Encyclopedias may be ordered at a cost of $150 per set. School supplies may be provided based upon availability on a case-by-case basis with cost estimates by BFA,” the MoU stated.

Furthermore, the non-governmental organisation agreed to “provide high quality new and used books with all containers packed to order under specifications provided by SEOF,” while the Foundation will inform BFA if and when packing specifications should altered.

According to the MoU, all the costs for customs, ports and others charges for the books and equipment will be borne by the Foundation. “The SEOF also agrees to pay all customs, ports, and related import charges above the cost of packing and shipping, and shall process all clearing documents including Form M, as necessary with the Nigerian government.”

The Foundation, which is the premier distribution partner for BFA in Nigeria, will during the three year period, also serve as the Nigerian partner consignee and to distribute the books and materials to libraries, schools and universities throughout Nigeria.

The MoU also provided room for future amendments, as the agreements could be “extended by mutual agreement beyond its current terms and duration if both parties agree that such an extension is advantageous and beneficial to the educational progress in Nigeria.” The agreements could also be terminated by mutual agreements.

SEOF is a limited guarantee non-profit charitable organisation, which has undertaken a multi-year project to help revitalise the education sector in Nigeria.

BFA on the other hand, is a non-governmental organisation, NGO, dedicated to ending the critical need for books in Africa. “Books shipped are new and previously owned books donated by individuals and organisations.”