LAGOS, Nigeria — The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has unveiled an artificial intelligence-themed UniPOD, a pioneering initiative in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), aimed at fostering innovation among African youth.
The UniPOD platform, part of a broader UNDP initiative spanning 13 locations across Africa, focuses on key sectors such as agritech, healthtech, and greentech. Its goal is to empower students with the tools and resources needed to drive industrial progress and economic transformation on the continent.
At the launch event, UNILAG Vice Chancellor, Professor Folashade Ogunwola, emphasized the significance of innovation and design thinking in shaping the future. She described UniPOD as a dynamic hub where young innovators can collaborate, ideate, and develop groundbreaking solutions.
“UniPOD aims to cultivate a culture of innovation and design thinking among university students,” Professor Ogunwola stated. “This initiative will support scalable and impactful entrepreneurship, leveraging partnerships to build a thriving ecosystem for African youth.”
The United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP’s Assistant Administrator and Regional Director for Africa, Ahunna Eziakonwa, underscored the importance of investing in creative industries and technology to drive economic growth.
“We must invest in creative industries like music, fashion, movies, and technology to anchor economic transformation,” Eziakonwa emphasized.
The UniPOD launch aligns with efforts to harness the potential of Africa’s youth population, fostering a conducive environment for innovative solutions that address local and global challenges.