By Hadith Ndadama
In an attempt to demystify technology and instill intellectual property (IP) culture in Nigeria’s knowledge institutions, the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) has established another Office of Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer ( IPTTO) at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU). ) Uli, Anambra State.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, NOTAP Director General and CEO Dr. DanAzumi Mohammed Ibrahim said that the establishment of IPTTO in Nigerian tertiary institutions was an interventionist project of NOTAP to ensure the development of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) through research. .
Represented by the director of the Department of Registration and Technology Transfer (TTR), Dr. Ephraim Okejiri, the Director General said that the program was initiated by NOTAP in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to foster culture of Intellectual Property (IP) and ensure that researchers obtain financial benefits from their research projects.
“The countries of the developed world that used their intellectual property are the producers of the goods and services that developing countries consume. The global index to measure the development of nations has shifted from resources to knowledge, hence the need to encourage IP development in Nigeria”.
The Director General further stated that many uncoordinated research activities are taking place in Nigerian knowledge institutions, but with the establishment of IPTTO, researchers are starting to move from conventional research just to advance their career to research. demand-driven to solve social problems.
“NOTAP, as a way to encourage patenting in Nigeria, is helping researchers to draft claims, file patent applications and pay patent fees and just call the researcher for patent certificate collection.”.
Intellectual property
Earlier, in his welcome address, University Vice-Chancellor Professor Greg Nwakoby, represented by Academics Assistant Vice-Chancellor Professor Osita Chiaghanam, said the decision to establish IPTTO at the institution was not a mistake, as the University was known for its prowess in Science and Engineering, adding that the IPTTO will open up opportunities for its research results to be patented.
“NOTAP’s visionary leadership programs, especially in the area of Intellectual Property protection, will encourage the development of new companies, which will translate into economic sustainability.“said the VC.
Professor Nwakoby further encouraged the institution’s staff and students to take NOTAP’s IP training seriously, as it will help them refocus their research projects.
Three technical documents were delivered, including the Framework for the Management of Intellectual Property in Tertiary Institutions, delivered by the Director of Technology Acquisition and Research Coordination, Ms. Caroline Anie-Osuagwu.
emmanuel ukoh
