Nigerian Copyright Supports Institution With Anti-Plagiarism Detection Software
The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), has pledged institutional support for the newly launched anti-plagiarism software, to tackle incessant plagiarism and other copyright abuses in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
Recall that the Vice president of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has said on APRIL 28, 202, that Federal Government inaugurated a plagiarism detection software, called ‘EagleScan’.
He disclosed that EagleScan plagiarism is a form of corruption and described the act as stealing of intellectual properties of others.
The Director-General of NCC, Mr. John Asein, made the pledge in a statement issued in Abuja, on Saturday.
Recall that NCC’s pledge follows the presentation of the Eaglescan Plagiarism Detection Software by the Association of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (AVCNU).
The presentation of the Anti-Plagiarism software was as a result of the collaboration between NCC, AVCNU and other relevant stakeholders to introduce a Draft Intellectual Policy for Nigerian Universities.
Asein decried the spate of plagiarism, copyright infringements and abuses in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions and called on stakeholders in the education sector to lead by example and show respect for copyright and intellectual products.
He, however, expressed optimism that the software would help in the ongoing campaign against plagiarism, piracy and all forms of copyright abuses, to encourage academics’ and promote educational excellence.
While congratulating the AVCNU on the successful launch of the Eaglescan, the NCC helmsman assured right owners that the commission would continue to work with them to sanitise every copyright space.
According to NCC in the statement, Prof. Abubakar Rasheed, Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), also at the presentation emphasised the need to institutionalise an anti-plagiarism policy in all higher institutions.
Rasheed expressed concern that the twin ills of plagiarism and copyright abuses, had robbed Nigerian universities of the much-desired integrity.
“Having the software is one aspect of the battle against plagiarism. Universities must take concrete steps to institutionalise anti-plagiarism policy that forbids all aspects of intellectual theft,” he stated.
NCC also said the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, also canvassed for upgrading of the plagiarism detection software to a mandatory national requirement for all institutions of learning.
