ABU’s registered patents have increased to 36, says Vice-Chancellor
The Vice-Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University, Prof Adamu Ahmed, says the total number of patents registered by the institution, both locally and internationally, has increased to 36.
Prof Ahmed said at the 45th Convocation Ceremony of the university that the development was a clear indication of ABU’s expanding innovation ecosystem and intellectual property strength.
The convocation ceremony was held at Mamman Kontagora Square, Main Campus, Samaru, Zaria, on Saturday, 31st January, 2026.
Similarly, the Vice-Chancellor disclosed that the university successfully secured 21 National Research Fund (NRF) research grants, spanning medicine, engineering, and other related disciplines.
This is besides the Gold-Tier Certification for Good Financial Grant Practice Compliance the university received from the African Academy of Sciences for the period 2025 – 2027, he said.
He described the gold-tier certification as a “distinction” that would significantly enhance the university’s global competitiveness, strengthen risk management, and improve efficiency in research grant administration.
He also stated that the university strengthened its partnership with UNESCO-IIOE and KMaz, gaining access to advanced virtual reality systems and licences.
On research impact and commercialisation, he said the university took deliberate steps to ensure that research findings do not remain on the shelves but are translated into tangible products, processes, services, and societal impact.
“For too long, the gap between research and commercialisation has deprived the university, its researchers, and the wider society of the economic, developmental, and social benefits that should naturally flow from our rich intellectual capital.
“Recognising this challenge, the university is institutionalising a structural framework to drive the transition from research and innovation to product development, commercialisation, and market delivery”, he stated.
He said strategic partnerships and global collaborations remained central to the university’s vision of academic excellence, internationalisation, and global relevance.
Prof Ahmed also said the institution would continue to play a pivotal role in national development as it remained committed to its founding mandate of service to Nigeria and the wider society.
For example, he said, the university’s key national Institutes – IAR, NAERLS, and NAPRI – recorded significant progress in advancing research within their respective mandates.
“Notably, new pasture seeds, improved technologies, and extension innovations were developed and released”, he also said.
This, according to the Vice-Chancellor, contributed directly to food security, livestock development, and agricultural productivity across the country.
Prof Ahmed further stated that all these achievements reaffirmed the institution’s enduring relevance, national impact, and leadership in advancing education, research, and service in Nigeria.
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Public Affairs Directorate,
Office of the Vice-Chancellor,
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (NEWS/IDV/NAM/AAI/AHW/SGB&PIC/TKU/DHU)
Tuesday, 17th February, 2026
