The third edition of the WIPO–Nigeria Summer School took place from August 31 - September 11, 2026, bringing together over 70 participants at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu Campus, Enugu State, for two weeks of intensive learning on intellectual property (IP). The WIPO Summer Schools provide young professionals with deeper practical knowledge of intellectual property, as well as exposure to the roles and functions of WIPO.
Hosted for the first time in Nigeria's Southeast region, the 2026 WIPO – Nigeria Summer School built on the success of the two previous editions, held at the University of Lagos in 2021 and at Baze University, Abuja, in 2023.
The Summer School opened with a courtesy visit to Professor Josaphat U. J. Onwumere, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu Campus, who welcomed both students and faculty. He expressed his excitement at the opportunity for UNN to host the WIPO Summer School for the first time and encouraged the students to make the most of the experience.
At the formal opening ceremony, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, commended the fact that the Summer School initiative has continued to grow over the years in her welcome address. She also highlighted the Summer School has played a key role in advancing the Nigeria Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy (NIPPS), a national framework designed to strengthen the country's IP system and harness intellectual property for innovation, creativity, and economic growth. She encouraged participants to see themselves as key contributors to the implementation of IP principles in respective fields contributing to Nigeria economic growth and sustainable development.
In his remarks, Mr. Oluwatobiloba Moody, Director of the WIPO Nigeria Office, highlighted WIPO's growing efforts to expand access to IP knowledge and awareness and applauded the students for taking up the opportunity.
Dr. Nkem Itanyi, Director of the Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer Office at the University of Nigeria and Chair of the Summer School Organizing Committee, welcomed participants, facilitators and guests to the WIPO–Nigeria Summer School 2026 with opening remarks.
The 2026 program brought together a distinguished faculty of seasoned experts drawn from academia, industry, and IP offices, delivering sessions on patents, copyright, trademarks, traditional knowledge, technology transfer, emerging technologies, and the relationship between IP and human rights. Find the full agenda for the Summer School.
Participants reflect on the experience
Beyond the classroom sessions, the Summer School provided participants with opportunities to exchange ideas, engage with experienced IP professionals and academics, and build networks that can support their professional development.
The past two weeks at the WIPO Summer School have been the highlight of my year. Sitting through thirty-four lectures and four presentations, I came to understand the real difference between having a general idea of intellectual property and being properly trained in its intricacies. My biggest takeaway is this: intellectual property is business. It is how human beings use the gifts of their intellect to build tangible and intangible wealth. It is how we enrich Nigeria and Africa. Thank you, WIPO Nigeria and UNN, not just for the lectures, but for creating an opportunity for us to meet and speak with seasoned experts. If I'm ever asked to speak to the next generation, I might just open by saying: if WIPO ever hosts an event, do not miss it." Covenant Yusuf, final-year law student, Prince Abubakar Audu University
When I registered for the Summer School, I wasn't sure what to expect. I kept an open mind, and that was perhaps the best approach to what turned out to be a refreshing experience. The program doesn't just teach IP — it teaches you how to think ahead of it. As a young IP practitioner, I walked away not just with deeper IP knowledge, but with the exact clarity needed to navigate next-generation IP challenges. I was also really thrilled by the organization of the program. WIPO is excellent at planning. Truly, a well-planned program makes execution easy. I unreservedly recommend the WIPO Summer School to both IP enthusiasts and practitioners."
Oluchukwu Nwakor, Associate at Stern & Blan Partners
Participants were encouraged to apply the knowledge gained and the networks developed during the program to their respective fields, contributing to the strengthening of Nigeria's IP ecosystem.
The WIPO–Nigeria Summer School 2026 underscores the importance of sustained IP capacity-building and provides a platform for developing a growing community of young professionals, innovators, students, and practitioners equipped to contribute to Nigeria's innovation and creative ecosystems.
The Summer School concluded on September 11 with group presentations in which participants applied the knowledge gained over the two weeks. Delivering his reflections at the closing ceremony, Mr. Abdul Abubakar, Program Officer, commended participants for their commitment and engagement throughout the program and officially declared the third edition of the WIPO –Nigeria Summer School closed.