By Aggrey Baba
Just like a farmer who plants early enjoys the best harvest, education leaders have been urged to sow the seeds of intellectual property (IP) knowledge in universities to reap innovation and economic growth across the Black Continent.
This came during a major seminar hosted at Makerere University, where leaders from the African Regional Intellectual Property Organisation (ARIPO) and the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) joined hands to encourage the integration of IP education in university curricula.
Under the theme “Fostering Creativity and Innovation for Economic Growth and Development in Africa,” the three-day seminar attracted researchers, innovators, academics, and policymakers, with the goal of empowering students to understand and protect their ideas, turning them into profitable ventures.
Speaking at the event, URSB’s Registrar General, Ms. Mercy Kainobwisho, stressed that Makerere University must take the lead.
“Makerere must be a starting point. You have the support to protect the invaluable knowledge generated here,” she said, calling for specialized IP courses built on the university’s strong legal systems.
“We need to position IP in academia by focusing on ownership, utilization, protection, and commercialization,” she added, saying a comprehensive approach is key.
Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, echoed this message, saying, “We must equip our learners with the tools to understand intellectual property. Makerere is in a unique position to lead the shift.”
Dr. Byson Sabola from added that understanding IP is crucial for innovation. “Imagine the impact if every student could recognize and protect their innovations.”
The seminar featured discussions on ARIPO’s role in academic institutions, IP registration systems, and strategies for turning research into income. Dr. Makhosazana Gamedze, an ARIPO patent examiner, led discussions on legal frameworks to safeguard university-generated intellectual property.
The initiative aims to make IP education part of everyday learning in universities, seeking to help students see the business side of their ideas. URSB and ARIPO pledged to continue such awareness sessions and build capacity across Uganda and Africa.
Indeed, as the saying goes, “When you know better, you do better.” And with proper IP education, Africa’s youth could become the inventors, creators, and entrepreneurs who drive the continent’s future. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
