UNDP, FG, Abia Government Launch MOUAU Manu-Tech UniPod to Boost Manufacturing Innovation, Entrepreneurship

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Federal Government and the Abia State Government, has inaugurated the Manufacturing and Technology University Innovation Pod (Manu-Tech UniPod) at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU) to strengthen manufacturing innovation, entrepreneurship and economic productivity.

The facility was unveiled at the university's Modern Public Lecture Theatre during an event attended by government officials, development partners, policymakers, innovators, technology entrepreneurs, academics and students.

Representing Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Minister of Education, Maruf Olatunji Alausa, described the Manu-Tech UniPod as a major step towards repositioning Nigerian universities as centres of innovation, industrialisation, entrepreneurship and sustainable national development.

He said the initiative would help transform Nigeria's abundant talent into measurable economic outcomes, stressing that universities must move beyond conventional teaching to become centres where research is translated into practical solutions to national challenges.

According to him, Nigeria's challenge is no longer a shortage of talent but the absence of systems that convert ideas into tangible results. He added that the UniPod provides a platform where research, talent and investment converge to drive national development, noting that its location at MOUAU complements the industrial and technological strengths of Aba.

Speaking at the launch, Ahunna Eziakonwa described the Manu-Tech UniPod as a platform for nurturing innovation, entrepreneurship and industrial development among Africa's youth.

She explained that the initiative, under UNDP's Timbuktoo programme, aims to position Africa as a global innovation hub by supporting startups and creating millions of jobs across the continent.

Drawing inspiration from the legacies of Michael Okpara and the ancient city of Timbuktu, Eziakonwa urged students and researchers to develop practical solutions to societal challenges through collaboration, creativity and enterprise. She also commended the administration of Alex Chioma Otti for creating an enabling environment for innovation and sustainable development.

Earlier, Elsie G. Attafuah, UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, described the Manu-Tech UniPod as another milestone in building a nationally connected innovation ecosystem.

She noted that following the AI UniPod in Lagos and the Mine-Tech UniPod in Nasarawa, the MOUAU Manu-Tech UniPod would further strengthen Nigeria's manufacturing and industrial innovation landscape.

According to Attafuah, the initiative is designed to connect education, research, innovation and enterprise, enabling universities to produce market-ready solutions, thriving businesses and quality jobs.

In his remarks, Governor Alex Otti said the project was made possible through purposeful collaboration and a shared commitment to economic transformation. He described Abia's entrepreneurs and artisans as resilient and innovative, adding that the UniPod would further unlock their potential.

The governor also urged universities to ensure that their research addresses critical societal needs and contributes directly to economic growth.

Welcoming guests, the Vice-Chancellor of MOUAU, Ursula Ngozi Akanwa, thanked the Federal Government, UNDP and other development partners for making the project a reality.

She said the innovation hub would equip young people with practical skills while connecting research, technology, enterprise and youthful creativity to support Nigeria's productive economy.

According to the university, the Manufacturing and Technology Innovation UniPod is a purpose-built innovation hub that will support product design, prototyping, process improvement, technology adoption, business innovation and enterprise development across the manufacturing and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) value chain.

Before the official inauguration, the event featured an Innovation Marketplace, where indigenous products and solutions in health, technology, manufacturing and agriculture were exhibited.

The Vice President's representative and Governor Otti commended the exhibitors, describing their innovations as evidence of the impact of investments in research, innovation and enterprise development.

Other dignitaries at the event included:

• Sonny Echono, represented by Dr. Suleiman Zangina, Director of Research, TETFund.
• Members of the Abia State House of Assembly.
• Emmanuel Meribole.
• Caleb Ajagba.
• Members of the Abia State Executive Council.
• Traditional rulers.
• Captains of industry.
• Heads of tertiary institutions.
• Development partners.
• Other distinguished guests.