Onu calls for increased patenting for research results

The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu has charged agencies of the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology to strive to get their research outputs patented so as to promote rapid socio-economic development of the country.

Onu, according to a statement by the Ministry, gave the charge at the quarterly meeting of the Ministers and Permanent Secretary with Directors and Director Generals of the Ministry’s 17 agencies on Monday in Abuja.

He pointed out that increase in number of patents will enable faster commercialization of research results, which will boost the economy, create jobs and wealth.

He admonished that the commercialization of research results must be done in Nigeria and by Nigerian companies in order for the country to attain maximum benefits from this endeavor.

“We must ensure that Nigerian companies utilize research results developed in the country, to encourage indigenous scientists and engineers do more research”.

He said more patents in research results will encourage youths to show more interest in Science, Technology and Innovation, which would positively transform the country in no distant time.

“One yardstick of assessing progress in scientific research is through patents”.

Dr. Onu called for more synergy amongst the agencies and advised them to look for additional sources to fund their research efforts.

He urged them to partner with relevant universities and research institutes in order to benefit from TETFUND funding.

Earlier, the Minister of State, Barrister Mohammed Abdullahi advised the agencies to harmonise their working relationship with board members so as to actualize their vision and mandates.

He also urged the agencies to improve their constant reports to the Ministry, so that the Ministers and the management of the Ministry will be abreast with the agencies activities.