Ronik Polytechnic, Lagos, has initiated efforts to establish strategic partnerships with the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) and the National Library of Nigeria (NLN) to strengthen intellectual property protection and expand access to knowledge within its academic community.
Chairman's Statement
Chairman of the institution's Governing Council, Mr. Chris Alabi, disclosed this at the school's maiden World Book and Copyright Day. He said the proposed collaboration is designed to promote responsible use of intellectual assets, improve information accessibility, and foster a culture of innovation in the school.
Represented by Babatunde Adedoyin, a council member, Alabi noted that these collaborations are essential in strengthening awareness, building capacity, and implementing policies that protect intellectual property while promoting access to knowledge.
Event Theme
At the event themed 'Knowledge, Creativity and Protection,' Alabi described books as one of humanity's most powerful tools for preserving knowledge, transmitting culture, and inspiring generations. He noted that within an academic institution such as Ronik Polytechnic, a book is more than a repository of information. "It's the foundation upon which scholarship, discovery, and societal development are built," he said.
He reminded that creativity is the engine that drives progress and stressed that institutions like Ronik Polytechnic must continue to nurture and support it through an enabling academic environment.
Digital Age Challenges
According to him, in today's digital age, where information is easily accessible and widely shared, issues of copyright, plagiarism, and ethical use of information have become more critical than ever. "It is imperative that we educate our community about the importance of respecting intellectual property rights and adhering to best practices in information use," Alabi said.
The Director of the Nigerian Copyright Commission, represented by Mrs. Lynda Alphaeus, noted that the digital space has become the largest platform for utilizing copyright works. Alphaeus, in her presentation titled 'Reading, Copyright in the Digital Age: Challenges and Opportunities for Higher Education,' said copyright infringement now occurs more in the digital space than in the hardcopy world.
She urged students and other users of digital platforms to desist from downloading content from free applications, stating that such actions deprive creators of the benefits of their creativity. Alphaeus explained that the root of copyright protection is creativity and innovation. "The reason why we are talking about creating and protecting copyright is to encourage creativity and innovation. If copyright is not protected, people will not want to create anymore because there won't be any gain from creating," she said.
She assured the institution of the commission's readiness to collaborate in the area of copyright and innovation.
Acting Rector's Remarks
On his part, the Acting Rector of the polytechnic, Dr. Abiodun Olafenwa, emphasized the importance of protecting intellectual works and the value of creativity, which he said informed the decision to organize the event. Olafenwa noted that the initiative reflects the school's unwavering commitment to academic excellence, intellectual development, and ethical scholarship.
The rector pointed out that in a world increasingly driven by knowledge and innovation, the ability to create, access, and protect intellectual work is a critical asset. "By educating our community on issues such as plagiarism and copyright infringement, we aim to foster an environment where creativity is encouraged and ethical standards are upheld," he said.
He restated their readiness to partner with stakeholders on research, training programs, and resource sharing.
