University of Ibadan DVC Calls for Stronger Protection of Intellectual Assets

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships) of the University of Ibadan (UI), Professor Oluyemisi Bamgbose, has stressed the urgent need to safeguard the institution’s growing wealth of intellectual property generated through research.

Professor Bamgbose made this call while receiving the Director of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) Nigeria, Dr. Oluwatobiloba Moody, on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor during his recent visit to the University.

She lamented that several research outputs from the University often fall victim to intellectual theft in the process of being externalised and translated into impactful projects, due to inadequate protection. According to her, this makes it imperative to deepen conversations on intellectual property rights to equip researchers with the knowledge and skills needed to protect their innovations.

Professor Bamgbose highlighted UI’s ongoing efforts in this regard through its Centre for Intellectual Property Protection and Commercialisation (CIPPaC), adding that Dr. Moody’s lecture would further strengthen the University’s initiatives. She praised the WIPO Director, an alumnus of the University, for returning to give back to his alma mater, while also commending other alumni who continue to support the institution in the face of dwindling government resources.

Expressing pride in Dr. Moody’s accomplishments, she described him as one of the University’s shining lights whose achievements have raised UI’s profile globally. She expressed optimism that his lecture would mark the beginning of a long-lasting partnership between UI and WIPO.

In his remarks, Dr. Moody said he was delighted to return to his alma mater to contribute to its development. He explained that the WIPO Nigeria Office, which he heads as pioneer Director since its establishment in 2020, was created to raise awareness about intellectual property and its protection. He affirmed WIPO’s commitment to working closely with universities to close the gap in intellectual property awareness, stressing that academic communities must fully capture the benefits of their innovations.

Dr. Moody described his lecture as the first step in what would be a mutually beneficial collaboration between UI and WIPO.

Earlier, the Head of the Department of Private and Property Law, Professor Omolade Olomola, said the lecture would expose students to global trends in intellectual property at a critical time, especially with the rise of social media engagement among young people. She affirmed that such exposure would significantly impact the study of law at the University and in the nation at large.

Dr. Moody was accompanied on the visit by Ms. Aje Adofikun, an executive at WIPO Nigeria Office.