CEFTER BSU PARTNERS TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER TRAINING FOR STAFF

The Benue State University Technology Transfer Office (TTO) in collaboration with the Centre for Food Technology and Research (CEFTER) and National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) have organized a two-day workshop on Intellectual Property Protection and Related Issues for academic staff of the institution.

Declaring the training opened, the Vice Chancellor, Benue State University (BSU), Professor Tor Joe Iorapuu represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics, Professor Simeon Terver Ubwa noted that the establishment of TTO at the BSU aligns with the Federal Government for establishing the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) to facilitate global transformation through technology and industry revolution. According to him, the BSUTTO is expected to build an effective working relationship with CEFTER and the Centre for Entrepreneurship to facilitate the promotion and management of the University’s Intellectual Property Portfolio, Patents, Designs, Copyrights, Momoranda of Understanding and Trademarks for research commercialization.

The Vice Chancellor acknowledged that “we are truly proud of CEFTER for placing our university on the global research map through the creativity and innovation it is bringing to bear in the processing of different varieties of food products”. While charging staff to get the right and profitable research knowledge, he noted that the commercialization of CEFTER’s research findings led to the establishment of a food processing factory where gluten-free high quality cassava flour biscuits are produced and revenue is generated.

In her remarks, the Acting Director General/CEO, NATOP, Dr. (Mrs) Idoreyin Imiyoho represented by the Director, Technology Acquisition, Research and Commercialization (TARC), Mrs. Caroline Anie-Osuagwu commended the University Management for taking an important step towards enhancing the culture of research innovation and collaboration for development. She charged staff to quickly key into it so as to protect and gain value for their research outputs.

The Director/Centre Leader, CEFTER-BSU, Prof. Barnabas Ikyo lauded the initiative for training staff on technology transfer and assured that CEFTER will continue to encourage researchers to utilize and commercialize their research results.

The two-day training treated relevant topics including framework for managing intellectual property in tertiary institution, formulating intellectual property policy for research purposes, patent database and search techniques, drafting of patent specification among others.