FG, UNDP boost innovation with AI UNIPOD launch

The federal government and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) yesterday, intensified the advancement of technological innovations with the launch of Artificial Intelligence University Innovation Pods (AI UNIPOD). The AI UNIPOD established across six tertiary institutions in six geopolitical zones as first phase of the project is tailored to provide unique economic endowments and proffer development […]

The federal government and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) yesterday, intensified the advancement of technological innovations with the launch of Artificial Intelligence University Innovation Pods (AI UNIPOD).

The AI UNIPOD established across six tertiary institutions in six geopolitical zones as first phase of the project is tailored to provide unique economic endowments and proffer development challenges of its region.

It is primed to become engines of research-to-commercialisation, student-led venture building, and talent development aligned with Nigeria’s development priorities.

Speaking at the commissioning of the facility at UNILAG, the Vice-President Kashim Shettima, represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hassan described the initiative as a deliberate shift of the country’s tertiary institution to platforms for production, enterprise, and national development rather than centres of instruction.

“I am excited by the potential to turn our talent, research, and capital into a single functioning system that will generate jobs, strengthen industry, and improve work experience,” he said.

 

 

 

 

He stressed that the initiative would complement the macroeconomic and structural reforms in an effort to improve the country’s economy.

 

 

“Nigeria’s current reform programme is anchored on this kind of tradition, from policy ambition to measurable outcomes. Macroeconomic and structural reforms on the way are necessary, but they are not sufficient on their own. They must be complemented by investments that expand productive capacity, people skills, and enable innovation at scale,” he said.

 

 

He underscored the importance of artificial intelligence, saying it possesses the power to unlock new pathways for prosperity driven by inclusive and equitable systems.

 

 

“I believe Nigeria is prepared to meet the core of that commitment in this agenda. Our investments in digital public infrastructure embrace the innovation ecosystem and our commitment to respond to A.I. governments all pointed to the goal of making Nigeria the leading model of project technologies to absorb knowledge, innovation, and life-changing solutions,” he said.

 

 

 

The minister of communications, innovation, and digital economy, Bosun Tijani encouraged researchers and innovators to maximise the facility, stressing that the effort to build innovation should be driven to position the country within the top 25 globally in AI.

 

 

“We shouldn’t look at it as another tech hub. So this is not just another random tech hub that is being donated to the investment. This tech hub is one that should be connecting these universities to the future,” he said.

 

 

He stressed that the N12b National Digital Economy Research Cluster grant targeted at supporting 200 researchers to research and work on digital economy topics important for the development would strive leveraging on the newly launched facility.

 

 

 

“The UNIPOD initiative sits firmly within the broader agenda of the government of Nigeria because no national innovation system can thrive without its universities. And no university can fully deliver on its potential without infrastructure, mentorship, and industry linkages required to translate ideas into impact,” he said.

 

 

The minister of education, Tunji Alausa, represented by minister of state for education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad stressed that the initiative would unlock the immense potential of young people, equip them with cutting-edge skills and set a culture of creativity, problem solving, and enterprise.

 

 

 

“In a rapidly evolving global economy driven by artificial intelligence, data science and advanced technologies, nations that invest in knowledge, innovation and talent development Nigeria must not only participate, we must build,” he said.

 

 

 

The Resident Representative, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Nigeria, Ms. Elsie Attafuah called for stakeholders’ collective efforts for the initiative to be successful.

 

 

 

She described the initiative as an opportunity, urging the students to be curious, creative and committed.

 

 

 

 

“The success of this system will depend on the collective effort of all stakeholders. To the young people here today, this platform is an opportunity – one that calls for curiosity, creativity, and commitment.

 

 

 

“To the private sector, this is an invitation to invest in talent, to support innovation, and to help translate ideas into enterprises. To partners and development institutions, this is a moment to align, to scale what works, and to support systems that deliver measurable impact.

 

 

“And to state governments, it is an opportunity to take this model further, adapting and embedding it within local contexts to drive regional transformation,” she said.

 

 

 

The Executive Secretary, TETFUND, Sonny Echono said the country’s economy needs market-ready solutions and empowerment of young minds to build sustainable industries.

 

 

 

“It is my conviction that Nigeria’s economic growth requires the translation of human inventions into market-ready solutions and ensuring that our brightest minds are empowered to build the industries that will sustain our future,” he said.

 

 

 

The Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Ogunsola described the initiative as a catalyst for development, saying the institution’s objective is focused on technological advancement, economic competitiveness and societal problem solving leaders.

 

 

 

“On a national scale, this initiative has immense potential to be a catalyst for development. The applications of AI are boundless and we aim to cultivate a generation of leaders who can drive technological advancement, enhance our economic competitiveness, and address critical societal needs,” she said.

 

 

Ogunsola emphasized on the importance of  Artificial Intelligence, saying it is a critical instrument reshaping the world, lauding its augment human capabilities, science discovery acceleration and complex problem solving ability.

 

 

 

“Artificial Intelligence is a pivotal force reshaping our world. Its potential to augment human capabilities, accelerate scientific discovery, and solve complex global challenges is immense,” she said.