Federal Govt, UNDP Unveil UniPod To Drive N30bn Innovation Ecosystem In UNILAG

The federal government, in partnership with the United Nations Development Projects, has flagged off the Artificial Intelligence (AI) UniPod initiative at the University of Lagos.

It marked a significant step toward transforming Nigeria’s higher institutions into hubs of innovation, enterprise and economic productivity.

At the launch at the University of Lagos, Vice President Kashim Shettima stressed that the country must move beyond recognising talent to building systems that translate potential into measurable output, even as the government targets expansion to 50 universities.

According to him, “We are at a point where the question before us is no longer whether Nigeria has talent. For so long, we have suffered the consequences of the absence of systems. It is therefore clear to inaugurate the first set of the National Innovation Systems, the UNIPOD”

He added that the initiative signals a paradigm shift, “This initiative reflects a deliberate shift in how we deal with our universities, not only as centres of instruction, but as platforms for production, enterprise, and national development.”

On the role of technology, Shettima stressed, “Artificial intelligence is a force that will define our lives and our future. We must build digital foundations that allow Nigerian innovators to create solutions that reflect our realities.”

The VP, who was represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, further assured sustained commitment, reiterating, “This is not a one-off intervention. We will support it. We will invest in it.

We will hold it to account.”

Also speaking, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, described the UniPod as a milestone, noting, “This is the first of its kind, a significant contribution to ensure that our investment in education and technology translates into innovation and enterprise.”

Tijani emphasised the broader application of AI beyond startups, saying, “The conversation should not just be about students, but on how AI can accelerate scientific discovery as Artificial Intelligence is the tool that helps us to study patterns at scale.”

He disclosed Nigeria’s progress in global AI rankings, adding that, “When we assumed office in 2023, Nigeria ranked 103rd. Today, we stand at 72. That progress is the result of deliberate investment in policy, people, and infrastructure.”

Commenting, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, represented by the Minister of State, Suwaiba Ahmad, said the initiative would unlock the potential of youth.

He stated,” The UniPod initiative is not merely about infrastructure. Nigeria must not only participate, but we must also win.

“Our universities must evolve beyond traditional roles to become engines of economic growth. This initiative is an invitation to innovate and create solutions to Nigeria’s challenges”

In her remarks, the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, said the hub is the first of seven under the United Nations Development Programme Timbuktu project.

She noted,” This momentous occasion represents the beginning of a transformative endeavour that will shape the future of scholarship and drive national progress.”