The Federal Government has granted patent rights to seven academic staff members of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) following their significant strides in research and innovation.
Mr Ibrahim Sheme, Director of Media and Publicity, NOUN, said in a statement on Thursday that the patents were granted in recognition of the academics’ pioneering inventions, further solidifying NOUN’s reputation as a hub for solution-driven education.
Leading the awardees is Dr Musa Runde of NOUN’s Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, who in collaboration with colleagues across different faculties and institutions, secured two separate patents.
The first patent is Haeme Detector for Postpartum Haemorrhage which was awarded to Dr Musa Runde (Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science) and his team.
In the Haeme Detector for Postpartum Haemorrhage patent team is Dr Adaobi Mac-Ozigbo (Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Management Sciences).
Others are Dr Oyewole Abiodun (Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science) and Mrs Eunice Opeyemi (Department of Nursing Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences).
This invention introduces a Haeme Detector designed to assist in the rapid identification and management of postpartum haemorrhage, a life-threatening condition and one of the leading causes of maternal mortality.
The device has the potential to significantly reduce preventable maternal deaths in Nigeria and beyond.
The second patent is Method for the Extraction of Essential Oils Using Steam Extractor Coupled with Highly Efficient Cooling System Patent, also awarded to Dr Musa Runde (Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science).
Dr Akeem Disu (Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science), Prof. Monioluwa Olaniyi (Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science) and Dr Gimba Usman (Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science) also got the patent.
Dr Oria Vincent (National Research Institute for Chemical Technology, Zaria, Kaduna State) was also not left out in the award of the patent.
With applications in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and the food industry, the invention offers a cost-effective and sustainable approach to essential oil production.
The Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Prof. Olufemi Peters, expressed delight at the development, describing it as a major step in the university’s drive to promote research with tangible impact on society.
He requested that the patents be properly archived for institutional reference and future use.
Peters commended the ingenuity and collaborative spirit of the inventors, noting that such achievements highlight NOUN’s role in shaping the future of scientific research and development in Nigeria.
He said that the management’s commitment to supporting research that addresses pressing societal needs, while encouraging other staff and students to emulate this exemplary stride in innovation.
“These patents are not just a win for NOUN, they are contributions to national development and a demonstration of how academia can respond to real world challenges with practical solutions,” he said.
With these patents, NOUN continues to reinforce its standing as a forward-looking institution dedicated to academic excellence, innovation, and societal impact.
