Utilise, Promote Made-in-Nigeria Software, NOTAP DG Urges Banks, FinTechs
Summary
Speaking on intellectual property rights (IPR), Amadiobi highlighted the significant gap in understanding patenting among researchers, inventors, and innovators in Nigeria. She attributed this gap to a lack of awareness, which prompted NOTAP to establish 67 intellectual property technology transfer offices (IPTTOs) in universities, polytechnics and research institutes across Nigeria. She further explained that NOTAP’s recent collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is intended to build the capacity of IPTTO managers, enhancing their understanding of IPR and the benefits of securing patents. She called for stronger policies to facilitate better partnerships between the public and private sectors, noting that such collaborations will drive technological innovation and foster economic growth across the African continent. Haren encouraged African countries to invest in artificial intelligence (AI) to boost productivity and creativity, stating, “Your creativity reveals your tomorrow and your curiosity inspires your creativity.” Other notable speakers at the conference included managing director of MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola; CEO of Strata, Bode Abifarin; Director-general of NITDA, Mallam Kashifu Abdullahi (represented by Dr. Aristotle Onumo) and CEO of INGEN Ghana, David Gowu.