By Raymond Ogbu
In order to fast-track an all round development in all sectors of the Nigerian economy, the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) has charged Nigerian researchers to concentrate on researches that have the capacity of translating into tangible goods and services to expedite national development.
This is coming as the Director General/CEO of NOTAP, Dr. Obiageli Amadiobi, underscores that Nigerian Researchers are key to NIGERIA’S development.
Speaking at a one-day Patentees Forum with the theme organized by NOTAP in collaboration with Hansy Slems Global Resources Limited at de Rembrandt Hotel and Suites, Ikeja Lagos State on 5th, the DG, reiterated the overarching role that Nigerian researchers and Innovators should as fundamental to the economic development of the country if they engage more on market-driven research rather than conventional one.
The DG said that in carrying out her statutory responsibilities, the office realized that there is a weak Intellectual Property (IP) system in the Nigerian knowledge Institutions and as a country that is desirous of becoming a global player in the Intellectual Property (IP) ecosystem, the situation was unacceptable.
She stated that in order to change the trajectory and launch the country into the world IP limelight, NOTAP in 2006 in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) initiated the establishment of Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer Offices (IPTTOs) in the Nigerian knowledge Institutions.
This was aimed at creating IPR awareness and ensuring that researches carried out in our knowledge institutions are not just for academic and career progression, but to transform the (R&D) to goods and services.
Amadiobi, noted that prior to NOTAP’s intervention in creating IP awareness in Nigerian Universities and research establishments, there was poor utilization of research and development (R&D) results emanating from the Nigerian knowledge institutions occasioned by insufficient knowledge its importance, hence allowing them to waste on the shelves.
The NOTAP boss emphasized that the office’s intervention in the Nigerian knowledge Institutions is yielding unquantifiable results as patents have started coming from their research undertakings.
She added that the agency has assisted over 340 Nigerians in patenting their inventions free of charge. “This is indeed the reason for this gathering to further x-ray the steps the Nigerian researchers need to take after securing their patents”. She said.
She reiterated the importance of patenting research results to the IP development of every nation, adding that no matter the commercialization potentials an invention or innovation may possess, no venture capitalists will invest his money in such invention, adding that patents indicates ownership.
The Director General further encouraged the patentees to think beyond patent as according to her, securing patent was just the beginning of the journey as the real challenge lies on transforming the patent into viable products and services for the benefit of humanity.
She expressed delight that with the hosting of the Patentee Forum in Lagos State, representing the South-West region, the office has successfully organized this forum in various regions of the Country, including South-South, North-East, and North-Central Zones as well as the South-East.
The DG used the opportunity to extend her gratitude to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Nigerian Patent Registry, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and Bank of Industry (BOI) for their invaluable contributions towards the success of the programme since inception.
In her paper presentation titled “After Patent What Next”, the Director of Technology Acquisition and Research Coordination department, Mrs. Caroline Anie-Osuagwu, said NOTAP is ready and committed to ensuring the growth of Intellectual Property in Nigeria but needs more support from both government and private establishments.
She said that the growth of the nation’s economy depends largely on knowledge as the world emphasis has been shifted from resource based to knowledge based economy.
The DG, added that for us to achieve the desired economic blueprint and the renewed hope agenda of the present administration, more attention should be focused on critical research.
She encouraged the patentees to interact passively and exchange ideas, challenges and progresses made to spore others to action.
Raymond Onyenezi Ogbu, is of the department of Public Relations/Affairs at NOTAP. He writes from Abuja.
