Federal government has presented 21 patent certificates to some researchers, institutions and innovators for their various inventions and innovations aimed at addressing societal challenges and facilitating economic development.
The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that the innovations, which received the patent awards, ranged from renewable energy, power equipment and electrical development.
NAN also reports that the benefitting institutions include the research and development arms of the Federal University of Kashere, Gombe, and National Research Institute for Chemical Technology, NARICT, Zaria.
Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Mr Uche Nnaji, presented the certificates to the beneficiaries in Abuja, Monday at a ceremony organised by the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion, NOTAP.
Speaking during the ceremony, Nnaji said intellectual property, in the form of technological innovation, is the basis for international power structure.
According to him, economic growth and industrialisation of any country depend largely on the efforts of researchers, urging them to be conversant with intellectual property issues.
“I wish to emphasise that this is just the first step in reaping the economic benefits of your inventions.
“The nation can only derive maximum benefit from your efforts if your patents translate into products/services for economic growth. It is not over until your patents enter the market,” he said.
Nnaji lauded NOTAP for delivering on its mandate by providing efficient process for the acquisition and domestication of foreign technologies.
He urged the beneficiaries to create impact for the federal government’s Economic Sustainability Plan, where research results would be translated into production activities and job creation for youths.
In her address, the Director-General of NOTAP, Dr Obiageli Amadiobi, said the agency understands that innovation begins with securing a patent which would then be commercialised to drive economic growth and employment.
“NOTAP stands as a committed partner, bridging the gap between inventors, industries and the global marketplace.
“It is the first step in a larger process that requires sustained support, collaboration and commercialisation.
“Since its inception, NOTAP has remained committed to this goal. I am proud to share that we have successfully facilitated the issuance of over 340 patent certificates,’’ she said.
She also noted that NOTAP had intervened in the patent space by reducing the financial burden on academics and researchers so that they could focus on the essential tasks of research and innovation.
“We recognise that the process of securing intellectual property rights can be costly and complex, posing a significant challenge for many inventors, especially within the academic community.
“We support this process through assisting in evaluation and drafting of patent applications and payment of necessary patenting fees.
“NOTAP ensures that our researchers channel their energy and resources into creating solutions that address societal challenges and contribute to national development,” she said.
The director-general expressed the organisation’s commitment to establish Intellectual Property Technology Transfer Offices in tertiary institutions, research institutes and teaching hospitals, and building their capacities.
She thanked partner agencies and stakeholders for ensuring that the wheels of innovation continue to turn.
“Together, we can strengthen our nation’s technology ecosystem and create a future where indigenous innovation drives economic prosperity,’’ Amadiobi said.
Founder/Proprietor of Horizon International University, HIUN, in Ekiti, Professor Ajibade Michael, said NOΤΑΡ plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between innovators and industry, facilitating technology transfer and ensuring the protection of intellectual property rights.
Michael, whose institution benefited from the award in healthcare innovation, said the patent certificates reflect the efforts of individuals and organisations, who had put in countless hours of hard work, research and dedication as recognised by NOTAP.
He called on other agencies to emulate NOTAP by creating an enabling environment for inventors to thrive. NAN
