The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has offered institutional support to Bingham University, Karu, near Abuja, in the development and use of Intellectual Property (IP) as a tool for enhancing its academic and research programmes.
Director-General, NCC, Mr. John O. Asein, who disclosed this in Abuja recently stated that the interface was in line with the Commission’s policy thrust geared at growing a wholesome copyright culture in Nigerian Universities and supporting academic institutions to maximise their contributions to national development.
In an interactive session during a courtesy visit to the University, the Director-General reiterated the Commission’s commitment to engaging major drivers in the research and creative communities as part of its proactive approach to the discharge of a broader mandate to administer, promote, protect, regulate and enforce copyright in Nigeria. To this end, the Commission is also working closely with the Association of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (AVCNU) to develop a model Intellectual Property Policy for Nigerian Universities.
In a bid to bridge knowledge gaps and provide students in relevant disciplines such as Law, Mass Communication and the Arts with the required copyright knowledge, the Director-General pledged the Commission’s readiness to offer students with learning tools to upscale their competences in the field of Intellectual Property.
The Director-General also urged the University to comply with global standards in the use of copyright works by signing up for appropriate copyright licences to cover the reprographic reproduction and downloads of literary materials by its staff and students.
He congratulated the University on its various academic and research initiatives, including its recent essential oil plant for the production of eco-friendly mosquito repellent, which have earned it a place as one of the most sought-after private Universities in Nigeria. He commended the University Management for focusing on innovations and research that address the immediate needs of society.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Bingham University, Professor William B. Qurix, expressed appreciation to the Management of NCC for reaching out to the university, adding that collaboration with the Commission would add value to the University’s research and innovation efforts.
He noted that the visit was particularly welcome because it would create the necessary interface between the University and the Commission. The Vice Chancellor also commended the proactive initiative of the NCC in placing its services at the disposal of the University community, remarking that this would impact positively on the University’s ongoing efforts to expand the scope of its educational curricula.
The Chairman, Patent Innovation Committee (PIC) of Bingham University, Professor Bamidele Okoli, noted the importance of copyright as an essential part of Intellectual Property. He emphasised the need for more enlightenment and sensitisation to enable students and faculty members derive maximum benefits from their literary and research works.
Speaking in the same vein, the Dean, Faculty of Law, Bingham University, Associate Professor Onje Gye-Wado explained how the Faculty was taking advantage of the University’s proximity to the Federal Capital Territory to sensitise and expose its students to modern trends in the field of law. He welcomed the offer of support from the NCC to equip the students for future careers in today’s digital economy and knowledge-based society.
Officials of NCC on the DG’s entourage were the Director of Administration, Dr. Idowu Ogunkuade; Director, Nigerian Copyright Academy (NCA), Mr. Mike Akpan; Director, Public Affairs, Mr. Vincent A. Oyefeso and Deputy Director, NCA, Mr. Collins Nweke. Delegates of Bingham University in attendance were the Registrar, Mrs. Esther Joy Dajiji; the Librarian, Dr. Dan Ajibili; and Director, Academic Planning, Professor N. D. Gado.
Vincent A. Oyefeso
Director, Public Affairs
For: Director-General
