Baze University to host second WIPO-Nigeria Summer School

Baze University Abuja is gearing up to host the second edition of the WIPO-Nigeria Summer School, scheduled to take place from September 11 to 22, 2023.

This intellectual property-focused event follows the success of the first edition held at the University of Lagos in November 2021.

Out of the 19 summer schools around the world in 2023 the WIPO summer school at Baze University is the only one in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The primary objective of the WIPO Summer Schools is to equip participants, predominantly composed of graduate students and young professionals, with practical knowledge of intellectual property. This includes a comprehensive understanding of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and its functions.

The program will feature an esteemed lineup of experts, including WIPO officials, business leaders, and academic experts, who will lead the two-week event, offering intensive learning experiences.

The WIPO-Nigeria Summer School places a strong emphasis on practical exposure for participants. It will incorporate simulation exercises and group discussions covering various intellectual property topics.

Dr. Rislan Abdulazeez Kanya, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (IT, Research, and Innovation) of Baze University, expressed his enthusiasm for hosting this significant event.

He stated, “We are excited to have the opportunity to host this very important summer school and we are looking forward to nurturing participants with deeper knowledge of intellectual property (IP) and the broader role and functions of WIPO. We also anticipate that this summer school will catalyze the dissemination of intellectual outcomes from participants’ experiences and further enrich IP knowledge in Nigeria through subsequent workshops.”

On his part, Oluwatobiloba Moody, the Director of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Nigeria Office, said: “We are delighted to collaborate with the incredible team at Baze University to host this year’s edition of the WIPO Nigeria Summer School. It is a unique chance for participants and speakers to connect and take an exploratory deep dive into the fascinating and important world of intellectual property. We are looking forward to what promises to be an exciting and impactful two weeks of learning!”

Distinguished speakers slated to contribute to the event include Prof Ibrahim Katampe, Director Centre for EmergingTechnologies, Central State University, Dayton, Ohio, USA, Mr John Asein, Director-General, Nigerian Copyright Commission; Dr. Shafiu Adamu Yauri, Registrar, Trademarks Registry; Madame Stella Ezenduka, Chief Registrar, Patents and Designs Registry; Dr. DanAzumi M. Ibrahim, Director-General, National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion; Ms. Loretta Asiedu, Acting Director, Division for Africa, WIPO; Ms. Aibee Abidoye, Executive Vice President, Chocolate City Music; Mr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA); Mr. Shehu Abdulkadir, MD/CEO, Abuja Enterprise Agency; Ms. Alexandra Grazioli, Director, Lisbon Registry, WIPO; Mr. Sand Mba Kalu, Executive Director, Africa International Trade and Commerce Research, among other notable speakers.