Stationery company BIC has restated its promise to improve education in Nigeria as it celebrates the 75th anniversary of its popular Cristal ballpoint pen.
In a statement, BIC explained that the Cristal pen, first manufactured in 1950 by French inventor Marcel Bich, has become a household name across the world. The pen has sold over 100 billion units and is widely used in classrooms, offices, and homes.
Speaking during the launch of a year-long global campaign to celebrate the pen’s legacy, the General Manager of BIC Nigeria, Anthony Amahwe, said the company remained committed to delivering “simple, reliable and accessible solutions that enhance everyday life.”
He said, “As we celebrate this 75-year milestone, we are not only reflecting on the past but building a bold future. The BIC Cristal has empowered millions to learn, write, draw, and dream. We are proud of its legacy and even more committed to expanding its impact across Nigeria and Africa.”
BIC pledged to continue to support education in the country under its “Writing the Future, Together” programme. The company aims to improve learning conditions for 250 million children globally by 2025.
BIC explained it collaborates with local schools, non-governmental organisations, teachers, and parents during Global Education Week to provide writing tools to classrooms. The company added that this effort helps more children prepare for the school year, regardless of their financial background.
BIC also uses initiatives like the Art Master Africa competition to empower young artists across Africa. The competition has attracted over 6,000 participants from across the continent, with seven Nigerian artists recognized at both the national and regional levels.
To celebrate their achievements, BIC recently opened the Art Master Africa Metaverse Gallery — a virtual space that displays the artists’ works and stories on a global scale. According to the company, this platform lets young artists promote their culture and creativity to a wider audience.
BIC assured that all its Cristal pens are manufactured in its factories under strict environmental and performance standards. The company has earned the French NF Environnement Ecolabel for eco-conscious production.
BIC reiterated its ongoing promise to pursue sustainability, innovation, and education to empower future generations.
