ANA Greets Dr. John Asein on his Birthday

 ANA GREETS DR. JOHN ASEIN ON HIS BIRTHDAY

ANA Media Team 

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has congratulated the Director-General of the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) and former Executive Secretary of REPRONIG, Dr. John O. Asein, on the occasion of his birthday. 

The Association joins family, colleagues, and stakeholders in the creative industry in celebrating a distinguished intellectual property expert whose work continues to strengthen Nigeria’s copyright system.

This was contained in a press statement jointly issued by the ANA President, Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, and the General Secretary, Dame Joan Oji, PhD. 

The ANA leadership commended Dr. Asein for his exemplary leadership and unwavering dedication to the protection of authors’ rights and the promotion of intellectual property development in Nigeria.

The statement highlighted Dr. Asein’s impactful achievements at the NCC, including the revitalization and strengthening of anti-piracy enforcement operations, enhancement of copyright compliance mechanisms, and the expansion of nationwide awareness campaigns on copyright laws. Under his leadership, the Commission has improved regulatory frameworks, embraced digital tools for copyright administration, and strengthened partnerships with both local and international stakeholders.

ANA also acknowledged his contributions to policy formulation and reform, his advocacy for fair remuneration for creators, and his sustained efforts in building institutional capacity within the NCC. His tenure has been marked by increased stakeholder engagement, improved operational efficiency, and a renewed commitment to protecting Nigeria’s creative economy from intellectual property infringement.

Dr. Asein’s distinguished academic and professional background was equally celebrated. He obtained his LL.B (Hons) from the University of Calabar, graduating as the best overall student in 1984, an LL.M from the University of Lagos, and a Master of Intellectual Property from Franklin Pierce Law Center, New Hampshire, USA. He also holds a Doctorate degree in Intellectual Property from the University of Abuja. A prolific scholar, he has authored several textbooks on Nigerian copyright law and has published widely in both local and international journals.

The statement further noted his role as a consultant to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), his service on the UNESCO African Regional Committee of Experts on copyright education, and his work as project coordinator for the Ford Foundation/NCC study on piracy in Nigeria. As a research fellow affiliated with institutions such as the Max Planck Institute for Intellectual Property, Competition and Tax Law, Munich, and Franklin Pierce Law Center, Dr. Asein has contributed significantly to global intellectual property discourse. 

ANA reaffirmed that his reappointment as Director-General of the NCC on January 12, 2023, reflects his competence and enduring impact, while wishing him continued good health and greater accomplishments in the years ahead.