In a bid to demystify technology and instil Intellectual Property (IP) Culture in Nigerian knowledge institutions, The National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) has established yet another Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer Office (IPTTO) in Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) Uli, Anambra State.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NOTAP, Dr DanAzumi Mohammed Ibrahim said that the establishment of IPTTOs in Nigeria tertiary institutions was an interventionist project of NOTAP to ensure the development of Science Technology and Innovation (STI) through research.
Represented by the Director Technology Transfer and Registration (TTR) department, Dr Ephraim Okejiri, the DG said that the programme was initiated by NOTAP in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to encourage Intellectual Property (IP) culture and ensure that researchers reap financial benefits from their research undertakings.
“Countries in the developed world that utilised their IP are the producers of the goods and services being consumed by the developing countries. Global index for measuring nations development had shifted from resource to knowledge-based, hence the need to encourage IP development in Nigeria”.
The DG further stated that a lot of uncoordinated research activities are carried out in Nigerian knowledge institutions but with the establishment of IPTTOs, researchers are beginning to shift from conventional research just for career progression to demand driven research for solving societal problems.
“NOTAP as a way of encouraging patenting in Nigeria is assisting researchers in writing claims, file for patents and pay for patenting fees and only call the researcher for collection of the patent certificate”.
Intellectual property
Earlier in his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Greg Nwakoby, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor academics, Prof Osita Chiaghanam said that the decision to establish IPTTO in the institution was not a mistake as the University had been known for its prowess in Science and Engineering, adding that the IPTTO will open up opportunities for their research results to be patented.
“NOTAP’s visionary leadership programmes especially in the area of Intellectual Property protection will encourage the development of startups which will translate into economic sustainability” the VC said.
Professor Nwakoby further encouraged the staff and students of the institution to take the IP training that will be delivered by NOTAP seriously as it will help in refocusing their research undertakings.
Three technical papers were delivered and notable among them is the Framework for Management of Intellectual Property in Tertiary Institutions, delivered by the Director of Technology Acquisition and Research Coordination, Mrs Caroline Anie-Osuagwu.
Emmanuel Ukoh
