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Abigail Ebere Nwakanma

Professional Summary

I am a Lawyer and IP development professional with expertise in innovation law, AI governance, and cross-border legal capacity building. With a doctoral research focus on Geographical Indications and sustainable development at the University of Technology Sydney, I bring a rare combination of frontline legal practice, international policy research, and community-facing advocacy. I have worked across Nigeria, South Korea, Switzerland, and Australia — building experience in legal practice, gender policy, UX research, and academic mentorship. I am experienced in cross-border collaboration, policy research, legal advocacy, and academic instruction.

Education

PhD in Law (2025–present)
University of Technology Sydney, Australia
Master's in Intellectual Property & Development (2023–2024)
KDI School of Public Policy and Management, South Korea
Grade: 94.1% · Thesis: Geographical Indication as a Tool for Improving the Economies of Developing Countries: A Nigerian Perspective
Barrister-at-Law (B.L.) (2020–2021)
Nigerian Law School · Second Class Upper
LL.B (Hons) (2015–2019)
University of Benin, Nigeria · Second Class Upper

Certifications & Training

  • Patent Law and Global Public Health "PatentX" – Harvard Law School & WIPO Academy (2024)
  • Overall Assistance for Startup Immigration System (OASIS) 1&2 – KIPA (2023)
  • Distance Learning General Course on IP (DL 101) – WIPO (2023)
  • Intellectual Property Panorama – WIPO & KIPO (2023)

Employment

Policy and Advocacy Officer (2023–present)
European Initiative for Gender Inclusive Democracy (EIGID) · Geneva (remote)
English Language Instructor (2024–2025)
CELP | Daejeon YMCA | FREN English · South Korea
Class Assistant (2023)
KDI School of Public Policy and Management
Legal Associate (2021–2022)
E.O. Ajegbemiga & Co. · Akure, Nigeria
Advocacy Intern (2021–2022)
Rhealyz Africa · Akure, Nigeria

Research Experience

Research and Policy Analyst (2023–present) – EIGID
Writing Consultant (2023) – KDI School Writing Centre
Student Reporter (2023) – KDI School
UX Research Intern (2022) – HNG Internship
UX Designer & Researcher (2022) – Zuri Internship
Open Source Contributor (UX Research) (2022) – Hacktoberfest / Ingressive for Good

Awards & Honours

  • WIPO Master's in Intellectual Property Scholarship (2022)
  • Dean's List for Academic Excellence (Spring & Summer 2023) – KDI School

Invited Talks

Protections of Traditional Knowledge, Genetic Resources and Geographical Indications
Mitchell Hamline School of Law (SILPA x Books for Africa) · April 2024
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