ABU Sets Up Strategic Committee to Drive Research Commercialization and Knowledge Transfer

Ahmadu Bello University has set up a committee to develop for the institution a blueprint for research commercialisation and knowledge transfer with Prof Mohammed Faguji Ishiyaku as Chairman. 

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Adamu Ahmed, approved the constitution of the committee in recognition of the need to institutionalize a framework that promotes the institution's knowledge transfer, commercialization and market delivery of research outputs. 

Prof Ishiyaku, a distinguished academic and renowned breeder with a deep understanding of innovation and product development, was appointed to provide strategic leadership and guide the committee. 

Ishiyaku, former Executive Director, Institute for Agriculture Research (IAR), teaches at the Department of Plant Science. 

The university, according to the Vice-Chancellor, took pride in its outstanding record of research excellence and innovation across disciplines, resulting in numerous discoveries, technological breakthroughs, and patents. 

Prof Ahmed, however, explained that the institution's progress in translating these research outcomes into societal relevance, including commercially viable products and services remained modest. 

Specifically, the committee is to, among others, review the current status of research, innovation, and intellectual property development within the university, including existing policies, patents, and technologies with best commercial potential and impact. 

It is to also study national and international best practices in knowledge transfer, research commercialisation, technology transfer, and innovation management. 

The committee is to develop a framework, pathways, and roadmap for knowledge transfer and commercialisation of research outputs, including modalities for industry collaboration, spin-offs, licensing, and public-private partnerships. 

It is to recommend appropriate institutional structures such as a knowledge/technology transfer office, or startup and incubation centre to drive implementation. 

The 12-member committee is expected to complete the assignment and submit its report within four weeks from the date of inauguration. 

Members of the committee include Prof Baba El-Yakub, Department of Chemical Engineering; Prof S A Apinega, Department of Commercial Law; Prof Muhammad Nasiru Shuaibu, Department of Biochemistry; and Prof M S Abubakar, Department of Pharmaceutics and Drug Development. 

Others are Prof Joe Azi, Department of Industrial Design; Prof Auwalu Haruna, Department of Finance; Prof M K Aliyu, Department of Archaeology; and Prof Hussaina Makun, National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI). 

They also include Dr Farouk Mohammed, Department of Pathology; Prof Emmanuel Balogun, Department of Biochemistry; and Mr. Sunday Dennis Adeleye from Centre for Disaster Risk Management, who will serve as Secretary.