Academy Press pre-tax profit plunges 78.4% in 2026, dividend slashed to 10 kobo

The Nigerian publisher's sharp earnings decline and dividend cut underscore the severe headwinds facing traditional print media amid digital disruption and rising input costs.

By Handelsavisen Newsroom · Automated 2026-07-06 06:17 UTC · 1 min read Last updated: 2026-07-06 06:37 UTC

Academy Press, a major Nigerian educational publisher, reported a 78.4% year-on-year decline in pre-tax profit for the 2026 fiscal year.

The company also announced a significant reduction in its dividend payout, lowering it to 10 kobo per share.

For instance, University Press recently reported a 52% profit decline for the same period but managed to raise its dividend to 18 kobo per share.

The results highlight the ongoing financial strain on legacy print publishers as they navigate shrinking market share and operational pressures.

The steep drop in profitability contrasts with the broader trend of some regional peers attempting to maintain shareholder returns despite weaker earnings.

For instance, University Press recently reported a 52% profit decline for the same period but managed to raise its dividend to 18 kobo per share.

Academy Press’s decision to cut its payout signals a more conservative approach to capital allocation, likely prioritizing liquidity and balance sheet stability over immediate shareholder returns.