REPRONIG takes awareness campaign to UNILAG

By Tosin Akeredolu

In a significant move towards fostering intellectual property awareness, the Reproduction Rights Society of Nigeria (REPRONIG) team, led by Chairman Gbadega Adedapo, paid a sensitization visit to the University of Lagos (UNILAG) on Thursday, January 30, 2025.

The REPRONIG delegation was received by UNILAG’s top management, led by Prof. (Mrs) Ayodele Atsenuwa, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services), with other key university officials in attendance. They included Prof. Yetunde A. Zaid, University Librarian; Prof. Oyewumi Adejoke, from the Faculty of Law, an Intellectual Property Expert & WIPO Fellow; and Prof. Hope Eghagha, Professor of English Literature and Literary Analysis.

The Chairman of REPRONIG was accompanied by Dr. Wale Okediran, Board Member and Chairman, Central Working Committee, Mr. Kayode Motunrayo, Acting Executive Director, Mr. Dare Oluwatuyi, Chairman, Nigerian Book Fair Trust, Mr. Tosin Akeredolu, Head, Licensing, Mrs. Tomi Ajayi, Nigerian Book Forum, Dr. Olayinka Oyegbile, Mrs. Adejoke Layi Babatunde, and Barr. Alexander Ekemenah

During the visit, Adedapo emphasized REPRONIG’s mission to safeguard the rights of authors and publishers through reprographic licensing. He highlighted the benefits of signing a licensing agreement with UNILAG, which would enhance research, authorship, and publishing activities within the university while ensuring fair compensation (secondary income) for academic writers and authors in the university community.

In her remarks, Prof. Yetunde A. Zaid acknowledged the digital shift in academic research, noting that institutions increasingly rely on electronic databases and digital downloads. She emphasized that REPRONIG’s role is crucial in ensuring fair compensation for creators of intellectual works in both digital and print formats.

Mr. Kayode Motunrayo, Acting Executive Director of REPRONIG, discussed the multilateral and bilateral agreements established with international Reproduction Rights Organizations (RROs), ensuring adequate compensation for Nigerian authors and publishers across borders.

Speaking on the legal and academic implications, Prof. Oyewumi Adejoke highlighted the practical benefits of signing a reprographic license, reinforcing UNILAG’s reputation as a leading academic institution in Nigeria. She also urged REPRONIG to ensure transparency in managing collected funds, thereby maintaining trust within the academic community.

In response, Chairman Adedapo called for stronger collaboration between academia and the publishing industry, emphasizing that partnerships like these are crucial for advancing intellectual property rights and academic excellence in Nigeria.

As the engagement came to a close, both REPRONIG and UNILAG reaffirmed their commitment to fostering a sustainable intellectual property culture in Nigerian higher institutions, a culture of respect, values and ethos. The discussions set the stage for a formal partnership that will enhance academic research while protecting the rights of authors and publishers.