L-R, DVC (Development), Prof. Segun Lagoke, UNAAB VC, Prof. Oluwafemi Olaiya Balogun, the Guest Lecturer and DG NOTAP, Engr. (Dr) Umar Bindir and Director, (IFSERAR), Prof. Segun Osinowo
The Director-General, National Office of Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, Abuja, Engineer (Dr.) Umar Bindir, has stressed the need for the country to invest in intellectual property as an antidote to economic regression.
Delivering a lecture titled “IPR, Patent Acquisition and Nigeria’s Technological Development”, at the Second University-wide seminar organized by the Institute of Food Security, Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research, (IFSERAR), Engr. Bindir said that Science, Research and Technological Development were veritable channels of boosting the nation’s economy.
He observed that indigenous technology had continually been relegated to the background, particularly in the academia as a result of poor funding and ignorance of the economic benefits that can be derived from patents.
Highlighting some of the benefits opened to patent holders, the DG said they could either be sold or licensed, while another option lies in their commercial development.
Engr. Bindi therefore called on the nation’s leaders to encourage researchers through adequate funding and motivation, while urging the academic not to be contented with the publication of materials alone, but engage in indepth research and inventions.
Also speaking, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Oluwafemi Olaiya Balogun, reiterated his commitment at financing research projects carried out in the University. He said, “I am ready to release even twenty million Naira to a single project”, as a way of motivating researchers.
Earlier in his Welcome Address, the Director of Institute of Food Security, Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research (IFSERAR), Prof. Segun Osinowo, noted that the University, under Professor Balogun has invested heavily on research and basic infrastructure.
