By Oyinkansayo Wole-Bodunde.
The University of Lagos’ Innovation and Technology Management Office (ITMO) recently hosted a 2-day Technology Transfer Ambassador Programme (TTAP) Bootcamp, on Tuesday 22nd of July and Thursday 24th of July, at the Arthur Mbanefo Digital Research Center (AMDRC), UNILAG.
The event aimed to equip selected ambassadors with the necessary knowledge, tools, and leadership skills to promote innovation within the university and beyond.
At the event, participants learned about innovation readiness levels, including Technology (TRL), Manufacturing (MRL), and Investment (IRL) readiness levels. Several experts shared insights on patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets, as well as Nigeria’s IP system and UNILAG’s institutional IP policies. Also, ambassadors discovered how to evaluate market fit and select suitable commercialization strategies. Participants of the event learned the art of storytelling and innovation pitching, including translating technical ideas into compelling narratives.
Dr. Abiodun Gbenga-Ilori, Project Director for Innovation-to-Market (I2M) and former Acting Director of ITMO, with the current Acting Director, Dr. Olayinka Adewumi, and Mr. Paul Adebolu-Ololade, introduced the TTAP concept and delivered a session on invention disclosure and patentability.
Mr. Ayo Emakhiome, CEO of Coinbox Ltd, discussed innovation principles and design thinking. He led participants through early-stage innovation management. This includes how to scout, assess, and prioritize innovations for market potential.
Mrs. Shukurat Amosu, IP Specialist and Consultant, and Mrs. Angela Itegboje, IP Specialist at UNILAG’s Research Management Office, provided a practical guide to intellectual property.
Mr. Edward Esene, Co-founder of Plus Incubation Hub, focused on market fit and commercialization strategies.
Dr. Ayodele Shittu, Team Lead of the UNILAG Office of Career Development Services (OCDS), explored the art of storytelling and innovation pitching.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services), Professor Afolabi Lesi, commended ITMO for its initiatives. He said, “I know these results will count, not just for the University but also for yourselves. You are the greatest beneficiaries of what you are doing… Your work and your life will not be the same. The way people relate to you will be different after today, because you are working smartly.”
The bootcamp welcomed over 30 in-person ambassadors from UNILAG and virtual participants from 13 partner institutions. These institutions include:
Akwa Ibom State University.
Bayero University, Kano (BUK).
Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH).
Lead City University.
Imo State University (IMSU).
Maranatha University.
Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU).
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU).
Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU).
University of Benin (UNIBEN).
University of Ibadan (UI).
University of Jos (UNIJOS).
University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).
The project was supported by the International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX) through a Technology Transfer Reform Grant.
