The National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) has expanded its campaign to promote intellectual property rights (IPR) by commissioning the 66th Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer Office (IPTTO) at the Federal Polytechnic, Mubi, Adamawa State.
Speaking at the commissioning, NOTAP’s director-general and chief executive officer, Dr. Obiageli Amadiobi, represented by the director of the technology acquisition and research coordination (TARC) department, Mrs. Caroline Anie-Osuagwu highlighted the agency’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s intellectual property ecosystem. She noted that the lack of a robust intellectual property culture in Nigerian knowledge institutions was a significant barrier to technological development.
Amadiobi explained that since 2006, in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), NOTAP has been establishing IPTTOs in institutions across Nigeria. These centres aim to foster intellectual property awareness and ensure the development of homegrown technologies.
She further stated that NOTAP, while primarily tasked with regulating the inflow of foreign technologies through the registration of technology transfer agreements, also encourages the development of local innovations. According to her, a vibrant intellectual property system is critical for Nigeria to achieve global recognition in science, technology and innovation (STI).
Amadiobi observed that, in developed countries, knowledge institutions play a pivotal role in driving economic sustainability. However, in many developing nations, universities and polytechnics remain reliant on government budgetary allocations. She expressed optimism that the IPTTOs could help shift this narrative by equipping institutions with the tools to generate revenue from market-driven research and innovation.
She emphasised that Nigerian knowledge institutions must focus on producing technically skilled graduates capable of addressing societal challenges, rather than training graduates solely for academic pursuits or employment in saturated labour markets. Research activities, she added, should be tailored to meet market demands and address pressing development needs.
Amadiobi decried the high volume of inventions languishing on the shelves of Nigerian institutions, urging them to utilise the IPTTO to translate these innovations into marketable goods and services. She encouraged the Federal Polytechnic Mubi community to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the IPTTO, particularly the free patenting services provided by NOTAP. Protecting intellectual property, she noted, gives inventors exclusive financial benefits and ensures the sustainability of their contributions.
She reiterated NOTAP’s commitment to fostering inventive and innovative capabilities in Nigeria through strategic advocacy and capacity building, thereby strengthening the country’s IPR ecosystem.
In his remarks, the rector of the polytechnic, Dr. Abdul-Rahman Ishiaka, represented by the deputy rector, Dr. Mustapha Belel lauded NOTAP’s decision to establish an IPTTO in the institution. He described the achievement as a recognition of the school’s efforts and academic vision.
Ishiaka noted that the polytechnic has been at the forefront of technological innovation, particularly in the fabrication of agricultural tools. He expressed optimism that the IPTTO would accelerate their patent applications and boost their contributions to national development. He urged the institution’s staff and students to leverage the centre by conducting impactful research that could lead to the commercialisation of their innovations.
During the event, Anie-Osuagwu delivered a paper titled “Intellectual Property Assets Management,” where she explained that IP assets include patents, trademarks, copyrighted works, industrial designs, geographical indications and trade secrets. She emphasised that these assets, when strategically managed, possess significant business value.
A statement by NOTAP’s head of public relations and protocol unit, Raymond Ogbu further encouraged researchers to protect their inventions and innovations, emphasising that intellectual property protection ensures financial benefits for their creators.
The commissioning of the IPTTO at Federal Polytechnic, Mubi, marks another milestone in NOTAP’s drive to institutionalise intellectual property culture in Nigeria, ensuring that research outputs contribute meaningfully to national development.
