MOE Craves Integration of IP Education in Academic System

— As LIPO launches 2nd Edition of National IP High School Club Competition

The Ministry of Education (MOE) has commended the Liberia Intellectual Property Office (LIPO) for the establishment of Intellectual Property Clubs in high schools and the launch of a national competition signal–terming these as strategic moves to integrate IP education into the academic system.

MOE Deputy Minister for Planning, Research, and Development, Dr. Samuel G. Toe, said by incorporating IP clubs into school curricula, students will learn about copyrights, trademarks, patents, and other forms of IP protection, preparing them for a future were knowledge and innovation drive success.

Dr. Toe, who spoke during the official launch of the second edition of the National Intellectual Property High School Club Competition, called on the students to be curious, creative, and informed about their IP rights reflects the belief that their ideas have the potential to shape Liberia and contribute to global progress.

The Deputy Minister spoke as a proxy for the Education Minister, Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah. 

Dr. Toe highlighted that IP encompasses creations of the mind, such as inventions, designs, artistic works, or symbols and images used in commerce.

He commended LIPO for their commitment to promoting IP awareness in schools and acknowledged the support of organizations like the Africa Regional Intellectual Property Organization and the World Intellectual Property Organization.

“By participating in these clubs, students will not only learn about IP laws but also develop practical skills in innovation, business, and entrepreneurship. The initiative aims to help students discover and protect their talents, transform ideas into economic opportunities, and engage on a global scale through intellectual property,” he said.

Dr. Toe emphasized the importance of nurturing ideas, protecting intellectual property, and empowering students to become future entrepreneurs and leaders.

He called for a partnership between MOE and LIPO that would ensure that IP education becomes a permanent part of Liberia's education system.

LIPO Director General, Garmai Koboi, described the launch as another significant milestone for LIPO as the organization continues to foster a vibrant culture of creativity, innovation, and intellectual property awareness among Liberia’s youth.

“This launch is a historic moment aimed at inspiring, educating, and empowering the next generation of Liberian innovators and creators,” Koboi said. “The IP High School Club Competition represents more than just an educational activity—it is a strategic investment in our future, driven by a generation of informed, innovative, and empowered young Liberians.”

The LIPO DG noted that the enthusiasm and intellectual curiosity displayed by our students confirmed that Liberia's youth possess immense creative and innovative potential.

She noted that the IP Club initiative comes at a critical time for Liberia. “With over 60% of our population being youth, there is immense untapped potential for creativity and innovation,” she said. “This initiative is designed to unleash that talent by creating a competitive yet collaborative academic environment where our youth can learn, experiment, and demonstrate their knowledge about intellectual property.

“When young people understand IP, they recognize the value of their own creativity. They learn that intellectual property protection is not merely a legal principle but a powerful tool for economic empowerment and national development.

“They also come to understand that respecting IP rights strengthens industries such as music, literature, technology, and innovation—paving the way for a future where Liberia’s creative and innovative potential is fully realized,” she said. 

The latest edition of the competition follows a successful pilot phase conducted in 2024, during which five schools participated. In that phase, William V. S. Tubman School emerged victorious and represented Liberia in Zimbabwe, where we secured third place.

The second edition of the IP Club will involve a total of 20 schools. Fifteen high schools from Montserrado, Nimba, and Grand Bassa counties will compete in the national championship, while five legacy schools from Montserrado County will participate in the regional category.

This expansion ensures that the benefits of IP education are not confined to Monrovia but extend to students in rural and semi-urban areas, giving them access to a platform that nurtures creativity, innovation, and an understanding of the legal frameworks that protect their ideas.

With this expansion, hundreds of Liberian youths will be introduced to the practical applications of IP, fostering cross-cultural collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and the spirit of entrepreneurship. 

Providing an overview of the competition, Mr. Clarence H. Cole, Deputy Director for Copyright, noted that LIPO launched the competition as a result of the huge gap of knowledge on IP in the country, especially among young people.

“This project aims at having the next generation of creators, inventors, innovators, musicians, Actors, authors, writers, etc. understand what IP is and how it can be respected,” Cole said. 

The 1st edition was done last year featuring 5 high schools from Montserrado County.

This year's edition, which is the second edition, will bring together 20 schools from 3 counties; Nimba Grand Bassa and Montserrado, 40 teachers and 400 students as beneficiaries, unlike last year's edition which saw 5 schools from 1 County.

He said the goal of the project is to provide an interactive and creative space to educate students about the value of IP through activities, discussions and competitions.

“The initiative also seeks to encourage students to become IP Ambassadors in their families, with their peers and within their communities while leveraging on the knowledge gained to build respect for IP,” he said. 

To manage the IP clubs 40 teachers are going to be trained on the basics of intellectual property in a 2-day workshop. The knowledge gained by the teachers shall be used to guide and supervise the activities of the IP Club members.

Meanwhile, Cole noted that the major challenge of the sustainability of the IP Club is funding. 

“Again, we want to call upon our stakeholders, partners and donors for support to enable us to have more schools and students be a part of this great initiative,” he said. 

The theme for this year’s competition is "Create, Protect, and Empower," which emphasizes the vital role of IP in driving economic growth and development in the modern era.

The event symbolizes a new era of innovation and empowerment for Liberia, focusing on educating and empowering the next generation of creators, inventors, and entrepreneurs about the significance of intellectual property.