UNIPORT, NOTAP to build oil and gas technology park

The University of Port-Harcourt (UNIPORT), Rivers State, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) for the building of Nigeria ’s premier oil and gas technology park.

The MoU was signed at the UNIPORT Campus, when a delegation from NOTAP led by the Director-General,Umar Bindir, visited the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ajienka, as part of activities marking the school’s Annual Research Fair and Conference.

By virtue of the MoU, according to a statement signed by Head of Public Relations, Adoiye Dagogo-George, UNIPORT and NOTAP are to evolve efficient methodologies for the development of the park, as well as encourage the development of other technology corridors that may be identified within the sub-region.

UNIPORT has, therefore, accepted to act as the co-ordinator of NOTAP in the Southsouth for the actualisation of the mandates of the agency in refocusing Research and Development (R&D) results in universities, institutions of higher learning and research institutes in order to meet the entrepreneurial needs of the people.

UNIPORT is also expected to facilitate the promotion of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), link R&D results to industry and create opportunity for the establishment of technology based Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) from start-up, and boost innovation, creativity and research through the Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer Office (IPTTO) established by NOTAP in the university.

The two collaborating institutions agreed to create a Southsouth Zone for technofair/exhibition, where universities, polytechnics, colleges of education and private institutions could showcase their respective technology advancements and innovations.

They agreed to build awareness on IPR in the zone through the organization of workshops and seminars, increase the number of patents, inventions and innovations, copy rights, trademarks and trade secrets, as well as attract more funds for R&D and boost innovation and creativity, especially among the youths.

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UNIPORT, NOTAP to build oil and gas technology park