The Federal Government has awarded a 20-year patent licence to the University of Jos (UNIJOS) for its groundbreaking development of an Anti-Tick Vaccine (JUTVAC-NG) — a major scientific breakthrough expected to significantly boost Nigeria’s livestock health and agricultural productivity.

The announcement was made in a statement by Abdullahi Abdullahi, Deputy Registrar (Information and Publications), who disclosed that the Special Licence Patent was approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following a formal request by the institution.

The patent, issued under the Patents and Designs Act, Cap 344 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990, grants UNIJOS exclusive proprietary rights to the innovation, barring any other party from reproducing or practicing the invention without prior consent from the university or its inventors.

The patent recognises the work of:

• Professor Goni Abraham Dogo, Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
• Professor Tanko Ishaya, Vice Chancellor and Professor of Computer Science, Faculty of Computing and Information Technology

According to a letter of approval from Jane Igwe, Registrar of the Patent and Design Registry at the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, the vaccine is now officially registered to the University and its inventors.

Developed with support from two TETFUND National Research Fund (NRF) grants, JUTVAC-NG is expected to drastically reduce tick infestation in livestock, a major concern for farmers across the country. This advancement is projected to enhance animal health, improve public health outcomes, and stimulate economic productivity within Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

“We are committed to ensuring that the Anti-Tick Vaccine makes a lasting positive impact on public health and contributes to Nigeria’s socio-economic development,” said Professor Tanko Ishaya, Vice Chancellor and co-inventor.

“This is a significant stride towards scientific innovation and public health improvement not just in Nigeria, but across Africa,” added Professor Goni Dogo, who emphasized their dedication to mentorship and talent development within the academic and research community.

The Federal Government has encouraged the university to fully utilise the innovation for public benefit, while applauding the researchers for positioning Nigeria on the global map of veterinary and scientific advancement.

The Anti-Tick Vaccine is a landmark achievement not only for the University of Jos, but also for Nigerian innovation in One Health—bridging human, animal, and environmental health for sustainable national development.