Professor Adejoke Oyewunmi of the Department of Commercial and Industrial Law, Faculty of Law, University of Lagos (UNILAG), has called for the tokenization of all works of art and intellectual property as a strategic step towards protecting creators’ rights in the digital era.
That was part of her recommendations while delivering the 14th Inaugural Lecture in the 2024/2025 Academic Session of the University of Lagos on Wednesday, June 4, 2025.
The lecture, “Intellectual Property and Digital Technology: Navigating a Pathway to a Fit-for-Purpose Legal Regime in Nigeria,” was delivered at the Tayo Aderinokun Lecture Theatre.
Professor Oyewunmi highlighted the trajectory of Nigerian law on Intellectual Property (IP) against the backdrop of its intricate interconnection with digital technology and the resulting impact on diverse aspects of the intellectual property ecosystem.
She affirmed that the integration of tokenization of all artworks such as music, movies, publications, and other forms of art, will go a long way in revolutionizing the way IP rights are managed, tracked, and monetized in Nigeria. She also implored stakeholders to embrace innovative legal frameworks that are adaptable to the evolving digital landscape.
The Professor of Intellectual Property, Commercial and Industrial Law pointed out that the rapid advancement of digital technology has outpaced traditional legal structures hence the need for tokenization with a pathway to a transparent, secure, and efficient means to ensure creators are recognized and rewarded for their works.
Her recommendations included: a holistic reform of the Trademark Act, institutional collaboration among the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Trademark Registry, and the Nigerian Intellectual Registration Registry, promulgation of the Geographical Indication Legislations as well as deployment of AI-powered tools for a more efficient management of copyrights.
She also underscored the need for Nigeria to develop a robust, technology-responsive intellectual property regime that encourages creativity, promotes digital innovation, and aligns with global best practices.
Prof. Oyewunmi’s lecture adds to a growing body of discourse advocating for the modernization of intellectual property laws in response to the challenges and opportunities posed by digital transformation.
Born on the 1st of March 1968, in Ibadan, Oyo State, Professor Oyewunmi began her career as a Lecturer II in the Department of Commercial and Industrial Law, University of Lagos in September 1992 and rose through the ranks to become a professor in 2015. Her research interests and publications cover: Intellectual Property/ ICT Law, Labour Law, Gender and the Law, and Business Law. She has authored and edited a number of textbooks.
The event drew members of the academic community, legal practitioners, policymakers, students, intellectual property enthusiasts, and other relevant stakeholders, who all converged to identify with Professor Adejoke Oyewunmi as she shared her insights on how Nigeria can navigate the future of digital law.
Report: Gbenga Gbelee
Photograph: Ayomide Oloyede
