Ronik Polytechnic, Lagos, is pursuing strategic partnerships with the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) and the National Library of Nigeria (NLN) to bolster intellectual property protection and widen access to knowledge across its academic community.

Governing Council Chairman Mr Chris Alabi disclosed this at the institution's maiden World Book and Copyright Day, held on Thursday under the theme "Knowledge, Creativity and Protection." Represented by council member Babatunde Adedoyin, Alabi framed the proposed collaboration as a deliberate effort to promote responsible use of intellectual assets and foster a culture of innovation.

"These collaborations are essential in strengthening awareness, building capacity, and implementing policies that protect intellectual property while promoting access to knowledge," Alabi noted.

He described books as one of humanity's most powerful tools for preserving knowledge and transmitting culture, adding that within an academic institution, a book is far more than a repository of information.

"It's the foundation upon which scholarship, discovery, and societal development are built," he stated.

Alabi stressed that issues of copyright, plagiarism, and ethical information use have grown increasingly urgent in the digital age, urging the institution to educate its community on best practices.

The NCC Director, represented by Mrs Lynda Alphaeus, warned that copyright infringement has migrated sharply into the digital space, with students consuming content through free applications that deprive creators of legitimate earnings.

"The reason why we are talking about creating and protecting copyright is to encourage creativity and innovation. If copyright is not protected, people will not want to create anymore because there won't be any gain from creating," Alphaeus declared.

She assured Ronik Polytechnic of the commission's readiness to collaborate, including offering free lectures on copyright to students.

Acting Rector Dr Abiodun Olafenwa reinforced the institution's commitment to ethical scholarship, describing the event as purposeful rather than ceremonial.

"By educating our community on issues such as plagiarism and copyright infringement, we aim to foster an environment where creativity is encouraged, and ethical standards are upheld," Olafenwa stated, adding that the institution welcomes partnerships for collaborative research, training programmes, and resource sharing.

World Book and Copyright Day is observed annually on 23 April, as designated by UNESCO.