LASU Partners with UNDP and UniPod Africa for Installation of Advanced Digital Equipment and Staff-Student Training

The Lagos State University (LASU) Innovation Hub has taken another bold step in advancing technology-driven education and innovation, following the installation of world-class digital equipment and training of staff and students by representatives of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and UniPod Africa.

The training and installation exercise, held on Monday, 27th October 2025, at the LASU Innovation Hub, Awori House, Ojo Campus, positioned LASU among the eight Nigerian universities benefiting from the UNDP/UniPod Initiative—a continental project aimed at equipping tertiary institutions with modern creative and digital technology infrastructure.

Speaking during the event, Professor Tunji Azeez, Manager of the LASU Innovation Hub, described the collaboration as a transformative opportunity that would expand the frontiers of innovation and skill-based learning in the university.

“The LASU Innovation Hub brings all related creatives under one umbrella—a place where ideas are imagined, built, tested, and brought to life. This collaboration with UNDP and UniPod strengthens our vision of making LASU a leading centre for digital innovation, research, and entrepreneurship,” Professor Azeez stated.

He expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Professor Oseni Taiwo Afisi, for her unwavering support toward positioning LASU as a model for innovation and excellence.

Professor Azeez also acknowledged the contributions of Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), for her generous donation, and commended the UNDP for its continued investment in youth-centered innovation across Nigeria.

“Our gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor, our donor, and the UNDP cannot be overstated. Their support has made it possible for LASU students to access cutting-edge facilities that will ignite creativity, inspire innovation, and produce solutions with global impact,” he added.

The installation was led by Engr. Tochukwu, head of a three-man UNDP technical team overseeing the setup of UniPod facilities across the eight beneficiary universities.

Participants drawn from departments such as Computer Science, Engineering, Theatre and Film Arts, Physics, and Mass Communication took part in a Train-the-Trainer session aimed at enabling knowledge transfer within the university community.

For effective hands-on learning, participants were divided into three specialised units:

• Electronics and Robotics Group: focused on programming and robotic assembly.
• 3D Printing Technology Group: trained on advanced 3D modelling and additive manufacturing.
• CO₂ Laser and Vinyl Cutting Group: focused on precision cutting, engraving, and creative fabrication.

With the successful installation of these advanced technologies, LASU now ranks among the few higher institutions globally with such extensive creative and fabrication facilities. Core UniPod volunteers—comprising trained staff and students—will oversee the operation, maintenance, and training continuity to sustain LASU’s innovation ecosystem.

This milestone reinforces LASU’s commitment to merging academia, technology, and creativity in addressing real-world challenges while preparing students for global opportunities.