By Ikenna Nwokedi 

History was made on Thursday, 12th October 2023 as Intellectual Property Policy (IPP) document of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka was officially unveiled and made public by UNIZIK Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles Esimone, FAS.

The special event which took place at the auditorium of the Chisco Transport Institute marked the public presentation of UNIZIK IPP document and inauguration of Bureau of Intellectual Property (BIP).

In his address while unveiling the document, UNIZIK Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Esimone described the occasion as the beginning of greater things to come to the University which has three patents already from her researches. Esimone stated that the event is to create awareness on the importance of intellectual property and the need to go beyond patent by moving to the market and industry as to promote the fusion of town and gown.

The institution's Chief Executive stated that the University is laying a solid foundation through research while commending the Engineering Faculty for their innovative products from their research. The scholar averred that the institution is taking innovation seriously and the public unveiling of the IPP is to tell the world to watch out for UNIZIK.

In his address, the Honourable Commissioner for Industry in the state, Hon. Christian Udechukwu informed that the government of Prof. Chukwuma Soludo is constantly looking for solutions to solve societal problems and bring about immense development through partnership with institutions such as UNIZIK. Hon Udechukwu affirmed that his ministry is keen on accelerating development in the state. He said that the institution which has more than 25 thousand students have the capacity to create over 25 thousand solution providers.

On his part, the Director of Technology Incubation Centre (TIC) and Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer Office (IPTTO), Prof. Augustine Azubogu stated that the objective of the UNIZIK IP Policy is to provide legal certainty in research activities and technology-based relationship with third parties, to ensure fair distribution of economic benefits arising from the commercialization of IP and to enhance the reputation of the University as an academic research institution.

Azubogu affirmed that the TIC at UNIZIK is to be a beacon of innovation and entrepreneurship fostering the growth of cutting edge stamps in the fields of mechatronics, renewable energy and energy storage systems.

Delivering his lecture on the topic, "Research, Intellectual Property and Commercialization" by the Director-General, National Office of Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), Dr. D.M. Ibrahim defined IPR as an exclusive legal rights conferred on investor to utilize the benefits their innovations for a given period to enable them reap the commercial benefits of the creation efforts or reputation.

Dr. Ibrahim who was represented by Mrs Caroline Osuagwu said the essence of production of IPR is to promote competition and to ensure that creative efforts are not copied by others as well as to encourage creativity, inventions and technological breakthrough while also rewarding entrepreneurship.

Prof. Ikemefuna Uzochukwu, Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Abia State while delivering his lecture on the topic: "Problem-based Research and Intellectual Property" defined IP as creations of mind such as inventions, literacy, artistic works, design, symbols and images. Prof. Uzochukwu revealed that ways of commercialization of intellectual property is through products, services, ideas, cost and time reduction. He affirmed that there is need to identify and understand our local problems and collaborate to solve them as part of process of generating intellectual property.

Others who spoke at the event were the Special Adviser to UNIZIK VC on Academic Matters, Prof. Frederick Odibo; Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Solomon Nwigbo and Deputy Director of TIC/IPTTO, Dr. Chika Okonkwo.

Highpoints of the occasion was the unveiling of the UNIZIK IPP Document and awards recognition to special guests on the occasion such as Dr. Ikechukwu Umeh (HOD Information Technology Department), Sir Arinze Obasi, Mr. Chinedu Egemba (President, Awka Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mine and Agriculture) and Engr. Darlington Agha.