The Innovation and Technology Management Office (ITMO) of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) hosted a dynamic Technology Transfer Ambassador Programme (TTAP) Bootcamp on Tuesday, July 22, and Thursday, July 24, 2025, at the Arthur Mbanefo Digital Research Centre (AMDRC), UNILAG.
The 2-day intensive training was designed to empower selected ambassadors with the knowledge, tools, and leadership skills required to scout, support, and promote innovation within the university ecosystem and beyond.
Equipping Ambassadors for Impact
The bootcamp featured a series of high-impact sessions led by experts from academia, research administration, and industry. Participants explored diverse topics ranging from innovation scouting and evaluation to intellectual property protection and commercialization strategy.
Setting the Tone:
Dr. Abiodun Gbenga-Ilori, Project Director for Innovation-to-Market (I2M) and former Acting Director of ITMO, alongside the current Acting Director, Dr. Olayinka Adewumi, and Mr. Paul Adebolu-Ololade, introduced the TTAP concept. They emphasized the programme’s long-term vision: to build institutional capacity for innovation, strengthen commercialization pathways, and embed a culture of sustainable technology transfer in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions. Mr. Adebolu-Ololade also demonstrated iBank, a digital platform for managing innovations.
Spotlighting Innovation Tools:
Mr. Ayo Emakhiome, CEO of Coinbox Ltd, unpacked the concept of innovation and the principles of design thinking. He examined the different readiness levels: Technology (TRL), Manufacturing (MRL), and Investment (IRL), and guided participants through early-stage innovation management, including how to scout, assess, and prioritize innovations for market potential.
Understanding Intellectual Property:
Mrs. Shukurat Amosu, IP Specialist and Consultant and Mrs. Angela Itegboje, IP Specialist at UNILAG’s Research Management Office, offered a practical guide to Intellectual Property (IP). They explained the distinctions between patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets, and provided insight into Nigeria’s IP system and UNILAG’s institutional IP policies.
Mastering Invention Disclosure:
Dr. Gbenga-Ilori also delivered an in-depth session on the invention disclosure process at UNILAG, highlighting best practices and common pitfalls, and outlined what makes an invention patentable.
From Idea to Market:
Mr. Edward Esene, Co-founder of Plus Incubation Hub, focused on evaluating market fit and selecting appropriate commercialization strategies. He also provided a reality check on Nigeria’s business landscape, addressing regulatory requirements, customer needs, and market entry challenges.
Communicating Innovation Effectively:
Dr. Ayodele Shittu, Team Lead of the UNILAG Office of Career Development Services (OCDS), explored the art of storytelling and innovation pitching. He emphasized the importance of translating technical ideas into compelling narratives and shared strategies for engaging stakeholders, investors, and industry partners.
Action Planning for Sustained Results:
To close the training, Dr. Adewumi guided participants through SMART goal-setting, reporting expectations, and building sustainable work plans aligned with UNILAG’s innovation and development priorities.
Closing Remarks and Encouragement
At the closing ceremony, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services), Professor Afolabi Lesi, who represented the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, commended ITMO for its forward-thinking initiatives.
In his words: “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.”
He praised the inclusive composition of participants drawn from academic, administrative, and student communities and encouraged continued collaboration within and beyond the institution.
A National Reach with Collaborative Energy
The bootcamp welcomed over 30 in-person ambassadors from UNILAG and virtual participants from 13 partner institutions in the I2M Research Consortium, including:
- 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)
Shaping the Future of Innovation
The TTAP Bootcamp delivered a truly immersive learning experience, covering a comprehensive curriculum that blended strategic institutional insight, practical innovation evaluation, legal IP protection, commercialization planning, communication, and goal-oriented integration. It marked a significant step forward in UNILAG’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem; and in cultivating a network of skilled ambassadors ready to drive technology transfer across the nation.
Supported by the International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX) through a Technology Transfer Reform Grant, the project was implemented for the Innovation and Technology Management Office (ITMO), University of Lagos (UNILAG), by a project team comprising Dr. Abiodun Gbenga-Ilori (PI), Mrs. Angela Itegboje, and Dr. Ayodele Shittu.
Report: Ndidi J. Odinikaeze
Edited by: Isaiah Kumuyi
Photographs: Joshua Michael
