Applications are now open for the 2024 WIPO National Intellectual Property Essay Competition. Every year on April 26, WIPO celebrate the World Intellectual Property (IP) Day to learn more about the role that IP rights play in encouraging innovation and creativity, and ultimately in shaping our world. This year’s celebration is themed “IP and SDGs: Building Our Common Future with Innovation and Creativity”, highlighting the role that IP plays in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations.

This year’s essay theme provides an opportunity for students of tertiary institutions to explore the various ways in which IP can support Nigeria’s goal of a addressing food insecurity. IP is especially important in achieving sustainable agriculture for long term food security in Nigeria. Sustainable agriculture encourages farming methods and systems which meet society’s present needs without negative effects on the environmental quality or the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

The essay competition topic “IP and Sustainable Agriculture: Combating Food Insecurity in Nigeria” is an opportunity for students to reflect on the relationship between IP and SDG’s, with a primary focus on the opportunities and challenges for harnessing IP towards achieving food security in Nigeria.

Requirements

The national competition is open to all registered students (undergraduate and postgraduate) of recognized tertiary institutions in Nigeria; Universities, Colleges of Education, Polytechnics, as well as professional or vocational institutions.

Entry Requirements:

  • Font- 12 Arial (Black);
  • The essay shall be written in English in not less than 500 but not more than 1,500 words (500min- 1500 max), bibliography and references excluded;
  • Double-line spacing and page numbered;
  • Submissions must be made in word and pdf format;
  • Do not include any pictures or other graphical illustrations;
  • Entries must not contain any indication as to the names, school, number, email address or other means of identification or affiliation of its author and/or any other person;
  • Plagiarism of any sort will result in disqualification;
  • Submissions received after the announced deadline of May 31, 2024 will not be considered.

Prizes

  • Five (5) scholarship spots to attend the WIPO Summer Schools on Intellectual Property.
  • Fellowship spots on the West African Young Innovation Leaders Fellowship.
  • Authors of the top 15 essays will receive special WIPO Packages and Certificates of Achievement.
  • The top three essays will be submitted to WIPO for possible publication in the WIPO Magazine, subject to WIPO publication schedule and review.
  • All authors of winning essays will receive scholarships to undertake any of the WIPO Distance Learning (DL) courses.
  • Several other exciting IP learning and professional capacity building prizes will be won!

For More Information,

Visit the Official Webpage

Application Deadline: May 31, 2024.