The Director General of the National Office for Technology Acquisition and promotion (NOTAP), Dr. Edith Obiageli Amadiobi has received an Excellent Leadership Award by the Governance Today Nigerian Magazine for her critical role in ensuring technology transfer, domestication and development of indigenous technologies.   Speaking during the award, Dr. Amadiobi said that as Nigeria marks 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, the role of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) hasbecome increasingly critical to national growth, economic diversification and global competitiveness. She said that NOTAP was primarily established to regulate the inflow of foriegn technology into the country theough the registration of technology transfer agreements, but also has the responsibilities of encouraging the efficient development and domestication of locality motivated technologies. Speaks on the achievements of the Office, she said that the NOTAP’s drive to commercialise research, strengthen intellectual property systems, empower Nigerian youths and position technology as a major catalyst for national development has started yielding positive results.

Dr. Amadiobi disclosed that her primary vision is to reposition NOTAP as a critical driver of Nigeria’s economy through stronger industry engagement and improved compliance with Technology Transfer Agreements (TTAs). She noted that many companies previously avoided the mandatory registration of TTAs as required by law, thereby limiting government oversight and revenue generation. To address this challenge, “NOTAP is reviewing its enabling legislation to strengthen compliance and enforcement mechanisms, ensuring that all technology transfer agreements are effectively evaluated,  registered and regulated” she noted.

Dr. Amadiobi nited that one of the major focus of her administration is bridging the long-standing gap between research and industry through strategic partnerships with the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, National Universities Commission, research institutes, inventors and innovators. She added that NOTAP is strengthening the Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer Offices (IPTTOs) across Nigerian institutions with the intent of enhancing IP awareness among the researchers.She emphasized that research must move beyond academic publications to practical solutions capable of creating jobs, generating wealth and addressing national challenges.

The DG expressed deep appreciation to the organisers of the award for finding her worthy of such prestigious national award. She therefore dedicated the award to the management staff of NOTAP to whom she acknowledged that without their unflinching support and cooperation, the achievements wouldn’t have been possible.

 Dr. Obiageli Edith Amadiobi, used the opportunity to call on relevant authorities, and stakeholders to invest more on research and innovation as the future of Nigeria lies in innovation, technology transfer, knowledge creation and strategic leadership. She emphasised that her vision for NOTAP reflects a broader national aspiration: transforming Nigeria into a globally competitive, knowledge-driven economy powered by research, innovation and the limitless potential of its people.