UNILAG and UNDP Africa Break Ground for Nigeria's First UniPod
The University of Lagos (UNILAG) and the United Nations Development Programme Regional Bureau for Africa (UNDP Africa) have initiated Nigeria's first UniPod project with a groundbreaking ceremony at UNILAG's Akoka Campus.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
The University of Lagos (UNILAG) and the United Nations Development Programme Regional Bureau for Africa (UNDP Africa) have marked a significant milestone with the groundbreaking ceremony of Nigeria's first UniPod. This artificial intelligence (AI)-themed facility, located at UNILAG's Akoka Campus along Commercial Road, aims to foster creativity and innovation among students. Scheduled for completion by December 2024, the UniPod is part of a larger initiative to establish seven such hubs across Nigerian universities.
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The event commenced with a public lecture titled "Nigeria: The Anchor of Africa’s Economic Transformation," delivered by Ms Ahunna Eziakonwa, UNDP’s Assistant Administrator & Regional Director for Africa. Ms Eziakonwa commended UNILAG's successive managements for their global impact and emphasized the importance of Nigeria's potential in driving continental economic transformation through innovation and development.
Highlighting the UniPod project as a pivotal step towards enhancing UNILAG's role as a center for innovation, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, echoed Ms Eziakonwa's sentiments. She emphasized the university's commitment to fostering partnerships that support innovation and creativity, essential for addressing contemporary challenges.
The UNDP officials, led by Elsie Attafuah, Resident Representative for Nigeria, praised UNILAG's dedication during a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor's office. They acknowledged the university's enthusiasm in ensuring the successful establishment of the UniPod, which is poised to contribute significantly to Nigeria's technological and intellectual landscape.
The UniPod initiative was initially discussed in April 2024, during discussions between Professor Ogunsola and UNDP's representatives. The project underscores UNILAG's proactive stance in leveraging educational resources to propel innovation and development in Nigeria.
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