In a major leap for West Africa’s digital landscape, Vice President Kashim Shettima joined the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) yesterday to officially launch the Artificial Intelligence University Innovation Pod (UNIPOD) at the University of Lagos.
The initiative marks a strategic shift toward a knowledge-based economy, aiming to turn academic research into commercially viable, Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven solutions.
Representing the Vice President, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Hassan, emphasised that the UNIPOD is more than just a facility; it is a launchpad for national transformation. The Vice President stressed that Nigeria must not remain passive in the unfolding global AI revolution.
“Across agriculture, healthcare, education, and finance, AI offers vast opportunities to unlock new pathways to prosperity. But this potential will only be realised if our systems are inclusive, equitable, and aligned with our values,” he said.
He expressed confidence in Nigeria’s capacity to lead Africa in AI, citing ongoing investments in digital public infrastructure, innovation ecosystems, and responsible AI governance.
UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms Elsie Attafuah, stressed that the project’s success hinges on a triple helix of cooperation between government, academia, and the private sector.
Attafuah stated: “To the private sector, this is an invitation to invest in talent and help translate ideas into enterprises. To the young people here today, this platform is an opportunity that calls for curiosity, creativity, and commitment.”
The Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, highlighted the urgency of the project, noting that Nigeria’s economic resilience depends on its ability to empower young minds.
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, hailed the UNIPOD, describing it as a ‘catalyst for development.’ She noted that the facility would be instrumental in breeding leaders capable of using AI to solve complex societal problems.
Ogunsola said: “AI is a pivotal force reshaping our world. We aim to cultivate a generation of leaders who can drive technological advancement and enhance our economic competitiveness.”
The AI UNIPOD flag-off ceremony, which also featured a heavy-hitting lineup of digital stakeholders, including Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, Lagos State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Tunbosun Alake, is expected to serve as a blueprint for regional digital transformation, with calls already appearing for state governments to localise and scale the model across the federation.
