National Youth Service Corps Innovators gather at a 2-day IP SALAYE Prototyping and Testing Workshop
February 22, 2024
WIPO Nigeria office in collaboration with Dr. Obichi Obiajunwa, Founder, Hutzpa Innovations and the Young Innovation Leaders Fellowship organized a 2-day prototyping and testing workshop from February 22 -23, 2024 for the first cohort of the IP Skills Acquisition, Learning and Youth Entrepreneurship (IP SALAYE) project at the Innov8 Technology Hub in Abuja.
The workshop assembled 28 National Youth Service Corps Members, alongside speakers who are experts in intellectual property, business development, and product development for sessions dedicated to enabling these young entrepreneurs to leverage intellectual property rights for business growth and financing strategy. The workshop aimed to demystify the complexities of IP rights and provide practical strategies for protecting creative works and innovation.
Since their selection in October 2023, the youth corps members have undergone comprehensive training in ideation and problem-solving, aiming to address local challenges encountered in their service areas, and they have framed their respective solutions against the backdrop of the sustainable development goals. This workshop served as a platform for refining and testing their product concepts in an innovation-driven environment.
The workshop was kickstarted by Dr. Oluwatobiloba Moody, the Director of WIPO Nigeria Office, who emphasized the integration of IP strategies into business development. Throughout the workshop, participants partook in various sessions, including business development led by Dr. Obichi Obiajunwa and prototype development with Mr. Ogbezuode Nizor a data scientist and deputy CTO from Innov8 Technology Hub.
Additionally, participants were also introduced to the WIPO IP Management Clinic (IPMC) by Christopher Kalanje, Counsellor, IP, and Business Division at WIPO. The IPMC through structured mentoring with IP and business experts, will assist participants in formulating their IP strategies based on their business and product plans.
During the IPMC sessions, participants were taken through the Introduction to Intellectual Property by Ms. Olaronke Famuyiwa, the Program Officer at WIPO Nigeria Office, Introduction to Patents and Designs by Mr. Marx Ikongbeh, IP Lawyer at Everlaw Associates, Introduction to Trademarks by Ms. Hadiza Abdulmumini, Legal practitioner at HighLaw Chambers, and Introduction to Copyright by Mr. Bentex Torlafia.
A key feature of the workshop was a panel discussion that allowed corps members to delve into the practical aspects of IP in Nigeria, with experts from various IP institutions answering questions and explaining the IP registration process in the country. The panelist included Mr. Kunle Olatunji from the Nigerian Copyright Commission, Mr. Tope Ogunbanjo from the Trademarks Registry, Mr. Chris Okeke from the Patents and Designs Registry, Mr. Marx Ikongneh and Mr. Bentex Torlafia
The workshop also facilitated networking opportunities with professionals in IP and business development, enhancing the corps members' understanding and appreciation of diverse IP perspectives.
Participants described the workshop as an "eye-opening" experience that has equipped them to protect their innovations effectively. The enthusiasm shown by the corps members highlighted the significance of collaborative learning in shaping the future of IP management.
The workshop was hailed as a success, thanks to the contributions of all speakers, participants, and the Innov8 Technology Hub. The WIPO Nigeria Office is confident that National Youth Service Corps Members are equipped to advance and provide solutions to SDGs issues in their local communities and fully equipped to protect their innovations.
The WIPO Nigeria Office looks forward to fostering further growth in IP skills, learning, and entrepreneurship among the nation's youth.