Wale Muri, a man who has been selling books opposite the University of Ibadan (UI) for 17 years, has opened up about his line of occupation in an interview with @thedoyinbrand. He revealed that he came to Ibadan in 2009 and has been a bookseller for the past 26 years.
From Printer to Bookseller
When asked why he ventured into bookselling, Wale explained that he was formerly a printer and a synthetic leather welder. He learned printing at Yaba Tech, and the synthetic leather work was self-taught. However, the high cost of machinery for his leather business forced him to postpone that profession and turn to bookselling.
"It is a long story. I am a printer and synthetic leather welder. I don't think you've heard of that profession before. We make dining table mats, we make office table mats, we make business card holder, we make assorted types of bags. I can produce more than 100 items that if I launch into the market, it is going to hit the market. But why I left that profession for this, I had to postpone that profession, the machine is too expensive. I couldn't afford the machine," Wale said.
Consistency and Profitability
On what has kept him consistent over the years, Wale stated: "The love of reading has kept me consistent and again book is a very profitable business." He began selling books in Ikeja and Oshodi before moving to UI 17 years ago.
Public Reaction
A TikTok video of Wale's interview has garnered mixed reactions, with many speaking highly of him. One user, iyebiye, commented: "I do buy novels and fairly used text books from him then in 2013/2016 he was a life saver because I will money for 1 new next books to buy 2 or 3 fairly used next books from him depending on how neat those next books are." Another user, victoriaokiyi, shared: "Now I know his name but na better person he be. I was in secondary school when I met him sometimes in 2009/2010. He even sold for fifty naira for people like me. I just wanted to read and he allowed me by selling so cheap. Small public school girl like me now in USA, he was very instrumental."
TheEmmaIbekwe added: "This man sold me all the copies of Dean Koontz I bought opposite UI. mehn, how time flies mehn." Hulkimarny said: "I know him. Someone should interview my mom too. She has been selling eggs for over 40 years still close to where this guy sells. Na my bros be this."
Related Story: UI Bookstore Experience
In a related story, a man who visited the University of Ibadan bookstore shared his experience. He made a short video praising the bookstore, claiming that any book one desires can be found there. However, he noted that the prices are non-negotiable, citing a book on the Nigerian Legal System by Ese Malemi sold for N15,000.
