The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has recorded another major milestone in research and innovation with the successful patenting of a novel orthopaedic device.
It was designed to improve the treatment of leg deformities in children living with cerebral palsy.
The invention, titled "Modification of Traditional Orthopaedic Slab into Thermoplastic Malleable Slab for Paediatric Leg Deformity Correction in Children with Cerebral Palsy," was granted a Utility Model Patent by the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Patents and Designs Registry.
Developed through a collaborative effort involving NOUN researchers and healthcare professionals, the innovation offers a more adaptable, durable and patient-friendly alternative to conventional orthopaedic slabs used in managing paediatric leg deformities associated with cerebral palsy.
The research team comprises Dr. Oluremi Aduke Saliu and Ayodeji Oluwafemi Idowu of the university's Department of Environmental Health Science, Faculty of Health Sciences; Daramola Olakoge of the Orthopaedic Section, National Hospital, Abuja; and Terry Henshaw Ekishi of Ekishiafrica Solar Generator, Abuja.
According to the patent certificate, the invention was registered under Patent No. RP: NG/PT/NCO/2026/22366, sealed on March 16, 2026, and officially granted on April 16, 2026.
The patent grants the inventors exclusive rights to the innovation for a period of 10 years.
The patent certificate was formally presented to the Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Prof. Uduma O. Uduma, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Technology, Innovation and Research, Prof. Christine Ofulue, during a ceremony at the university's headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking at the presentation, Prof. Ofulue congratulated the inventors and described the achievement as a testament to NOUN's commitment to producing research-driven solutions that address societal challenges.
She noted that the university remains dedicated to fostering innovation and promoting interdisciplinary research capable of improving lives and contributing to national development.
According to her, the institution is prepared to collaborate with relevant stakeholders, industry players and development partners to facilitate further development and deployment of the innovation.
"The university is ready to partner with collaborators to take this innovation beyond the patent stage and make it available to the wider world.
"Research becomes truly impactful when solutions are translated into practical applications that improve lives," she said.
Prof. Ofulue further reaffirmed the commitment of the university's administration to strengthen research, innovation and technology development, stressing that NOUN would continue to provide an enabling environment for researchers to thrive and commercialise their discoveries.
Earlier, the Director, Directorate of Research Administration, Prof. Gloria Anetor, described the patent as a major accomplishment for both the inventors and the university.
She said the successful registration of the patent underscores NOUN's growing reputation as a centre of excellence in research, innovation and knowledge creation.
Anetor commended the researchers and their collaborators for their dedication and commitment, noting that the achievement demonstrates the university's capacity to generate practical solutions to pressing healthcare and societal challenges.
The director added that the directorate would continue to encourage researchers to protect their intellectual property and transform research outcomes into products and services that benefit society.
Experts believe that the patented thermoplastic malleable slab has the potential to improve treatment outcomes, enhance patient comfort and significantly improve the quality of life of children affected by cerebral palsy.
The latest achievement adds to NOUN's expanding portfolio of research accomplishments and further reinforces the university's commitment to delivering innovative solutions to local and global challenges through cutting-edge research and technological advancement.
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