The Director of the Centre for Intellectual Property and Commercialisation (CIPPaC) at the University of Ibadan School of Business, Professor Oladapo Okareh, has called on all government ministries, departments, and agencies involved in Intellectual Property (IP) to partner with institutions of higher learning across the country. He made this statement during an interview commemorating this year’s World Intellectual Property Day.
Professor Okareh emphasized the need for synergy rather than duplication of efforts among IP-related offices, highlighting that such collaboration would enhance efficiency and drive national development.
He also advocated for increased funding and broader awareness campaigns on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), noting that better public understanding and institutional support are essential to fostering innovation.
The IP expert called on the government to provide support for talented creators, entrepreneurs with innovative ideas, local fabricators, and student artists. He stressed the importance of promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) through partnerships with the nation’s universities and research institutions.
While acknowledging that Nigeria has a sound legal framework for Intellectual Property, Professor Okareh called for the review and modernization of outdated laws, as well as stricter enforcement of existing ones to deter and punish IPR violations.
This year’s IP Day is themed “Intellectual Property and Music: Feel the Beat of IP.”
