BookHub Collaborative Authoring Workshop – Lagos, July 2–4, 2025

Africa/Lagos
Abdulsalami Kovo (Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMinna)), Fatimah Abduldayan (Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMinna)), Mojisolola Shodipe (University of Lagos)
Description


This hands-on workshop, hosted by the Academic Publishing Centre - South-West at the University of Lagos and supported by Datasphir and the BookHub Stakeholder Advisory Committee (SAC), is the first of a series of workshops that aim to:

  • Promote collaborative authoring using the BookHub open-source platform.
  • Build capacity in open access (OA) book development across disciplines.
  • Expand the national conversation on OA book publishing from FUTMinna Academic Publishing Centre (North-Central) to the Southwest.
  • Support the production of peer-reviewed, high-quality, openly licensed academic books authored by Nigerian scholars.

Who Should Apply?

  • University academics and researchers with a draft or idea for a scholarly book.
  • Librarians and editorial professionals interested in OA book workflows.
  • Early-career researchers seeking mentorship and capacity development.
  • Authors affiliated with APCs or university presses in Nigeria.

Why Participate?

  • Collaborate with peers to begin or advance your OA book project.
  • Receive mentorship from experienced editors and publishing experts.
  • Get hands-on training with the BookHub platform (powered by Ketty).
  • Contribute to Nigeria’s national framework for open access book publishing.

Workshop Details

  • Format: In-person, immersive authoring sprint
  • Cost: Participation is free; participants will receive lunch and tea breaks. 
  • All other costs, including travel, accommodation, and incidentals, are self-sponsored. 

How to Apply;

Submit your application no later than May 31, 2025. Applications should include:

  • A brief statement of interest (max 300 words) 
  • A draft abstract or outline of your proposed book 
  • A short bio or CV (max two pages).
BookHub OA Project Team
    • 1
      Registration

      Arrival and informal networking. Participants check in and receive materials.

    • 2
      Opening Ceremony & Brief Remarks

      Brief remarks by the Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos.
      Brief welcome remarks by partner institutions.
      Self-introductions by participants: name, institution, and role.

      Speakers: Prof. Abdulsalami Kovo (Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMinna)), Dr Mojisola Shodipe (Ag. Director, Academic Publishing Centre - South-West, UNILAG)
    • 3
      Setting the Context: Why Open Access Books Matter
      • Why OA matters for local knowledge and impact
      • Debunking myths: Peer review, prestige, and print
      • The Diamond OA model and APC Framework adoption
      Speaker: Dr Fatimah Abduldayan (Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMinna))
    • 10:00
      Group Photograph & Tea Break
    • 4
      BookHub Platform Overview

      • Origin and evolution of the platform
      • Core modules: Authoring, Review, Layout, Publishing
      • Sustainability model: Print-on-demand, EPUB sales

      Speaker: Oreva Orior (Datasphir)
    • 5
      Session 1: Getting Started with BookHub

      • Creating a user profile and joining a project
      • Uploading and organising manuscripts
      • Exploring the AI assistant and knowledge base

      Speakers: Nicholas Esezobor (Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMinna)), Oreva Orior (Datasphir)
    • 6
      Session 2: Real-Time Collaborative Authoring

      • Real-time writing with feedback
      • Using comment threads and AI revision
      • Team roles: author, editor, designer

      Speakers: Nicholas Esezobor (Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMinna)), Oreva Orior (Datasphir)
    • 13:30
      Lunch Break
    • 7
      Session 3: Peer Review Setup

      • Setting up peer review workflows
      • Assigning reviewers, tagging issues
      • Using quality control tools

      Speakers: Nicholas Esezobor (Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMinna)), Oreva Orior (Datasphir)
    • 8
      Workshop Reflection & Wrap-Up

      • What did we learn today?
      • Feedback and reflections
      • Preview of Day 2 agenda

      Speakers: Prof. Abdulsalami Kovo (Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMinna)), Fatimah Abduldayan (Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMinna))
    • 9
      Welcome Back & Recap of Day 1
      Speaker: Fatimah Abduldayan (Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMinna))
    • 10
      Session 4: Book Review and Editorial Workflows

      Best practices for peer review
      Editor-author communication in BookHub
      Managing revisions and editorial standards

      Speakers: Nicholas Esezobor (Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMinna)), Oreva Orior (Datasphir)
    • 11
      Session 5: Layout and Design in BookHub

      Real-time layout preview
      Managing book metadata and cover design
      Print vs digital layout considerations

      Speakers: Nicholas Esezobor (Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMinna)), Oreva Orior (Datasphir)
    • 11:00
      Tea Break
    • 12
      Session 6: From Manuscript to Publication

      Push-button publishing and book websites
      Publishing tools: export, print-ready, website deployment

      Speakers: Nicholas Esezobor (Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMinna)), Oreva Orior (Datasphir)
    • 13:30
      Lunch Break
    • 14
      Panel: Policy, Platforms, and the National Framework

      Integrating BookHub with OA policy goals
      Governance and sustainability
      Cross-APC collaboration for shared editorial infrastructure

      Speakers: Omo Oaiya (WACREN), Prof. Bola Oboh (DVC Academics & Research, UNILAG), Prof. Yetunde Zaid (Chair, Academic Publishing Center Board, UNILAG), Prof. Olatokunbo Christopher Okiki (University Librarian, UNILAG), Dr Adenike Juliana Oladipo (Deputy Director, (Course Materials &Development) Distance Learning Institute, UNILAG), Mojisola Shodipe (Ag. Director, Academic Publishing Centre - South-West, UNILAG)
    • 15
      Next Steps and National Coordination

      Upcoming conference & workshops
      Joining the national BookHub community
      OA Book project management support for writing teams
      Certificates and Prize for Best group
      Closing remarks

      Speakers: Prof. Abdulsalami Kovo (Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMinna)), Dr Mojisola Shodipe (Ag. Director, Academic Publishing Centre - South-West, UNILAG), Fatimah Abduldayan (Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMinna))
    • 16
      Networking and Departure