Shettima to Launch Africa’s First University Innovation Pods at UNILAG

Vice President Kashim Shettima is set to formally launch the first University Innovation Pods (UNIPOD) in Africa at the University of Lagos on April 7, as part of efforts to reposition Nigerian universities as hubs for innovation, artificial intelligence, and enterprise development.

The UNIPOD initiative, driven by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Federal Government, is designed to transform higher institutions into engines of economic growth and digital talent development.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, said the programme reflects the government’s commitment to bridging the gap between formal education and labour market demands.

He explained that the innovation pods will provide structured platforms within universities where ideas can be developed, tested, funded, and scaled into viable enterprises.

“The UniPods are not just infrastructure projects but part of a deliberate strategy to build a national innovation system that connects talent, research, industry, and investment,” Hadejia said.

The rollout will begin with an Artificial Intelligence Pod at UNILAG, with additional centres planned across Abia, Akwa Ibom, Nasarawa, Benue, and Borno states.

Also speaking, UNDP Nigeria Resident Representative, Elsie Attafuah, described Nigeria as the first African country to scale the UniPods model through direct government investment.

She noted that the initiative positions Nigeria as a continental leader in building a knowledge-driven economy.

According to her, the programme will extend to institutions including Nasarawa State University, Keffi; the University of Uyo; Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike; Benue State University, Makurdi; and the University of Maiduguri, each focusing on sector-specific innovation areas.

Attafuah added that the hubs are already equipped with power, connectivity, and operational teams, forming a national innovation network across the country.

Under the National Innovation and Digital Transformation Partnership Programme (NIDTPP) a collaboration between UNDP and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Nigeria aims to expand the initiative to over 50 universities nationwide, train more than 500,000 learners in advanced digital and AI skills, and support up to 2,000 startups.

The initiative is expected to drive job creation, enterprise growth, and position Nigeria as a leading hub for digital talent and innovation in Africa.