Zakariyau Kunle Mujeeb’s journey is a narrative of passion, dedication, and innovation. His story is one of career success and an unwavering commitment to lifelong learning. Mujeeb’s deep-rooted love for printing drives his continuous quest for knowledge and innovation. From his beginnings as a Printing Technology student at Kaduna Polytechnic, to earning a Master’s in Publishing and Copyright Studies from the University of Ibadan, and his ongoing pursuit of a PhD in Mass Communication, Mujeeb’s educational journey is remarkable. Balancing a demanding role as a technologist at the Federal Polytechnic Offa, he has positioned himself to reshape the industry through both education and investment. Today, Mujeeb stands as the CEO of i-Class Graphics and Print Media.
Excerpt from the interview
Q: What do you find most compelling about the printing sector?
What most interests me about the printing industry is how it manages to combine creativity and technology. Printing is fundamentally the process of transforming ideas into a real product, be it a book, a piece of packaging, or marketing collateral. New channels for artistic expression have been made possible by the advancement of printing technology from conventional offset to sophisticated digital printing. With so many tools at their disposal, designers can now produce elaborate and customized prints that push the limits of what is conceivable. The printing industry is a constantly fascinating and dynamic one because of this marriage of artistry and technology.
The flexibility and tenacity of the printing industry is another intriguing feature. The printing industry has evolved its processes and products to not just survive but thrive in the face of the development of digital media. The printing industry has proven its adaptability to shifting market needs and environmental concerns through innovations including variable data printing, 3D printing, and sustainable printing methods. The industry is demonstrating its adaptability and continued relevance in the digital age by continuing to integrate digital solutions while preserving the integrity and value of printed publications.
Again, it is impossible to ignore the printing industry’s profound influence on culture and communication. Print media has always been a potent tool for conserving knowledge, influencing public opinion, and spreading information. Books, magazines, and posters are examples of printed materials that are still very important in art, advertising, and education. The durability of ink on paper, the tactile feel of touching a printed object, and the sense of legitimacy and authenticity that print conveys all contribute to its ongoing importance in our lives. The printing industry is very captivating due to its capacity to establish connections between people, communicate ideas, and leave enduring memories.
Q: What is your perspective on the printing industry in Kwara State?
With its unique blend of established methods and cutting-edge technology, Kwara State’s printing sector has enormous potential. The history and enduring influence of this business are among its most notable aspects. In Kwara State, there are numerous printing companies that have been in operation for many years, serving the needs of local companies, government organizations, and educational institutions. This well-established framework provides a solid base on which contemporary innovations can be constructed, opening doors for the industry’s expansion and modernization.
To reach its maximum potential, the industry must overcome a number of obstacles, though. The adoption of new technology is comparatively delayed in comparison to other industrialized regions, which is one of the main problems. The efficiency and quality of outputs produced by many printing companies are restricted by their heavy reliance on antiquated machinery and procedures. This technological backlog can be linked to two factors: the high cost of purchasing sophisticated printing equipment and software, and restricted access to money. A concentrated effort to make financing choices more accessible and to offer training on the newest printing technology is required to address this.
It is impossible to overestimate the contribution that education and training have made to Kwara State’s printing sector. More specialized training programs and academic courses on contemporary printing methods and digital media are desperately needed. Collaborations between nearby educational institutions and printing businesses have the potential to produce a new generation of knowledgeable workers who are familiar with modern printing techniques and technologies. Such partnerships would foster innovation and competitiveness while also enhancing the industry’s skill set.
Q: How do you stay competitive in the local market?
Common Challenges
A complex strategy that incorporates innovation, customer service, strategic marketing, and operational efficiency is necessary to remain competitive in the local market.
We need strategic marketing to keep our competitive advantage. To advertise our services and reach a large audience, we use a combination of traditional and digital marketing platforms. This entails taking part in trade exhibitions for the industry, volunteering at local events, etc. We make sure that prospective customers are aware of our capabilities and the value we provide by actively promoting our brand and remaining visible in the market. Targeted marketing efforts also enable us to showcase particular developments and services, which keeps us at the forefront of companies looking for printing solutions.
Maintaining competitiveness also requires operational efficiency. To cut expenses and speed up turnaround times, we constantly review and optimize our procedures. Lean manufacturing techniques and the implementation of strong workflow management systems enable us to reduce waste and increase productivity. Our services become more appealing to customers on a tight budget since we can provide low pricing without sacrificing quality thanks to our operational optimization. Furthermore, our agility and resilience are increased by our ability to react swiftly to consumer requests and changes in the market.
Maintaining trained personnel, managing the quick speed of technology change, and shifting market demand are common obstacles to remaining competitive. The continuing expenditure in new machinery and training that comes with printing technology’s constant advancement can be costly. Furthermore, the demand for printing services can fluctuate based on changes in consumer behavior and the state of the economy. Our major strategies for reducing these difficulties are ongoing learning, strategic planning, and upholding a flexible business model. We can manage uncertainty and maintain our competitive position in the local market by foreseeing market changes and making appropriate adjustments.
Q: What are some common challenges your company faces in the printing business in Kwara State?
One of the biggest obstacles to running a printing company in Kwara State is the hyperinflation of raw materials. Because of inflation and unstable economies, the price of basic resources like paper, ink, and other printing supplies has skyrocketed. Our pricing strategy and profit margins are directly impacted by these growing expenses, making it challenging to provide competitive prices without sacrificing quality. Furthermore, changing prices make financial planning and budgeting difficult, necessitating ongoing strategy adjustments to lessen the effects of these economic pressures.
The infrastructure is another big problem, especially when it comes to the availability of power. In order to run printing machines and other equipment effectively, reliable electricity is essential. Nonetheless, Kwara State’s regular power outages and voltage variations cause schedule disruptions for production and can harm machinery that is sensitive. Our operational expenses are increased by the significant investments we must make in alternate power options like generators and UPS systems because of this unreliability. Our operating efficiency is further complicated and our resources are further taxed by the added cost and upkeep of these backup systems.
One other major difficulty is low patronage from government agencies. Government contracts can be a reliable source of income, but obtaining these chances is frequently challenging because of red tape and competition from bigger, more established businesses. Smaller printing businesses like ours could find it difficult to comply with the strict specifications and handle the challenging procurement procedures. We may also encounter partiality and opaqueness in contract awarding, which complicates our ability to obtain government projects. Due to our restricted access to profitable government contracts, we are forced to depend more on smaller projects and the private sector, which hinders our capacity to grow and maintain our financial stability.
Q: What steps do you take to ensure environmentally friendly printing practices?
An essential part of what we do at I-Class Graphics and Print Media is making sure that we use ecologically friendly printing techniques. Using environmentally friendly products is one of our main initiatives. Our suppliers of sustainable paper goods include those with Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification, which guarantees that the paper originates from forests that are responsibly managed. In addition, we substitute vegetable-based inks for conventional petroleum-based inks. Our printing processes are more environmentally friendly with these inks since they release fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air.
Additionally, we have made investments in cutting-edge, energy-saving printing machinery that uses less energy and produces less waste. For example, digital printing technologies enable on-demand printing, which greatly reduces the requirement for huge print runs and the extra waste that usually arises from overproduction. In addition, our machinery is made to produce less heat and utilize less power, reducing its carbon footprint. Our environmental efficiency is further improved by putting energy-saving measures into effect, such as duplex printing, which prints on both sides of the paper, and optimizing print layouts to minimize paper waste.
Another essential element of our eco-friendly operations is recycling. Comprehensive recycling schemes for paper, cardboard, and ink cartridges have been established. Paper waste from printing is gathered and delivered to recycling centers, where it is prepared for reuse. We also provide printed material take-back programs to our clients as an additional way to get them involved in our recycling efforts. This encourages a circular economy, in which resources are reused and used rather being thrown away, in addition to helping minimize waste.
Q: How do you incorporate new printing technologies and innovations into your business?
Our company must take a calculated approach to integrating new printing breakthroughs and technology into our operations. This approach entails keeping up with market developments, making sophisticated equipment purchases, and encouraging a culture of lifelong learning. We consistently engage in industry conferences, trade fairs, and seminars to stay up to date on the newest advancements in printing technology. These gatherings give us the chance to network with top vendors and experts while also offering insightful information about new technologies. To stay up to date on the newest developments, we also participate in online forums and communities, subscribe to trade journals, and read trade publications.
Purchasing cutting-edge machinery is a crucial part of our plan. We regularly upgrade our software and hardware with a percentage of our budget to make sure we always have access to the newest technology. This involves implementing 3D printers, automated finishing systems, and digital printing presses that expand our capabilities and boost productivity. We can provide our customers with a greater selection of services and better-quality products by remaining on the cutting edge of technology. In order to make sure that our investments are in line with our operational objectives and client needs, we also collaborate closely with our suppliers to test and deploy new technology.
