The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has offered institutional support to Bingham University, Karu, in the area of development and use of intellectual property as a tool for enhancing its academic and research programmes.
The director general of the agency, Mr. John Asein stated this in an interactive session during a courtesy visit to the University.
He said in his speech 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.
He reiterated the NCC’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 he said the commission was 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.
Asein 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 also commended the university management for focusing on innovations and research that address the immediate needs of society.
In his remarks, the vice chancellor of the institution, Prof William Qurix, expressed appreciation to the management of NCC for reaching out to the university.
He said 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 the university, Prof 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.
Also speaking, the dean, faculty of law, Prof 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.
