Nigerian Universities Should be at the Forefront of Producing Patents - Prof Ibidapo Obe

Monday, January 22, 2o19 06.00PM / Ottoabasi Abasiekong for Proshare WebTV

Nigerian Universities have been challenged to produce patents which will increase their value in research and development, and position them as competitive institutions of learning globally. 

Former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos Professor Oye Ibidapo-Obe said this in an interview with Proshare WebTV. 

Professor Obe believes that Universities in the country, should explore innovative ways of solving  critical issues in the country, through innovation and technology that can be patented to add value to the economy. 

The scholar was of the view that Universities in Nigeria should be at the forefront of driving more inventions and patents in the country. 

Speaking on the lingering industrial action by University lecturers under the Academic Staff Union of Universities(ASUU), Professor Ibidapo-Obe called for knowledgeable government officials and representatives to engage ASUU. 

He said the issues hinged on the Federal Government team having resourceful members, who understand the dynamics 0f tertiary education and how the issues should be addressed. 

On the discussions around “University Autonomy” Ibidapo-Obe said the Universities will require trustees who are businessmen and private sector players,  that can assist in the funding of their projects and programmes. 

Looking at human capital development Professor Ibidapo-Obe emphasized the need for the retraining of teachers, the provision of infrastructure for schools, colleges and varsities and the need to as a matter of national emergency; address the over 13ml out-of-school children index. 

In the area of curriculum development, the don said that all courses were important but will require a rejigging to reflect their economic value.

Professor Ibidapo-Obe giving his perspective on public-private partnerships for Universities, said it was critical in the area of skills development, improved funding of the varsities, assisting in infrastructure, internship and providing jobs for graduates. 

According to the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion, NOTAP a total of 68 inventions for patent from research agencies and Nigerians have been received between the period 2016 and the first half of 2017.

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