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Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima is set to inaugurate the first University Innovation Pods (UNIPOD) in Africa at the University of Lagos on April 7, as part of efforts to transform Nigerian universities into hubs for innovation and digital talent development.
The initiative, a collaboration between the Nigerian Government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is designed to reposition tertiary institutions as centres for enterprise creation and technological advancement.
Details of the launch were disclosed by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, on Wednesday, who said the programme reflects the government’s commitment to bridging the gap between academic training and labour market demands.
He explained that the innovation pods would provide structured platforms within universities where ideas can be developed, tested, funded, and converted into viable businesses.
“The UniPods are designed to address this by providing structured platforms within our universities where ideas can be developed, tested. financed, and translated into viable enterprises for societal impact and economic development.”
Hadejia added that the initiative goes beyond infrastructure, describing it as a strategic effort to build a national innovation system that connects talent, research, industry, and investment.
He noted that the rollout will begin with an Artificial Intelligence-focused pod at the University of Lagos, with additional centres planned for institutions in Abia, Akwa Ibom, Nasarawa, Benue, and Borno states.
UNDP’s Resident Representative in Nigeria, Elsie Attafuah, said the project positions Nigeria as the first African country to scale the UNIPOD model through direct government investment, strengthening its role in building a knowledge-driven economy.
She noted that the programme would be implemented under the National Innovation and Digital Transformation Partnership Programme, a joint platform between UNDP and TETFund aimed at creating sustainable innovation ecosystems.
According to her, the initiative aims to expand to over 50 universities nationwide, reaching more than 500,000 learners with advanced digital and artificial intelligence skills, while supporting up to 2,000 startups and student-led ventures.
“Through the expanded national investment case, Nigeria aims to scale to over 50 universities nationwide; reach over 500,000 learners with advanced digital and AI skills; support 1,500-2,000 startups and student ventures; and unlock large-scale job creation and enterprise growth.”
She added that the programme is expected to drive job creation, boost enterprise development, and position Nigeria as a leading hub for digital innovation in Africa.
The UN official also expressed appreciation to the Vice President for his support in advancing innovation, human capital development, and economic diversification under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
