Vice President Kashim Shettima is set to launch the first University Innovation Pods (UNIPOD) in Africa at the University of Lagos on Tuesday, April 7, in a move aimed at supporting startups and student-led ventures across Nigerian universities.
The initiative is expected to provide students, researchers and young innovators with access to tools, mentorship and funding needed to turn ideas into viable businesses, while also addressing the growing gap between classroom learning and real-world job opportunities.
UNIPOD, an initiative of the United Nations Development Programme in partnership with the Federal Government, is designed to reposition Nigerian universities as centres for innovation, enterprise creation and economic growth.
Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, said the programme reflects the government’s commitment to making universities active contributors to Nigeria’s economic development.
He noted that the innovation pods would serve as structured platforms where ideas can be developed, tested, financed and transformed into scalable enterprises that deliver both social impact and economic value.
According to him, the initiative goes beyond physical infrastructure and is aimed at building a strong national innovation system that connects talent, research institutions, industries and investors in a more practical and coordinated manner.
Hadejia added that the rollout will begin with an Artificial Intelligence-focused pod at the University of Lagos, while additional UniPods will be launched in Abia, Akwa Ibom, Nasarawa, Benue and Borno states.
He explained that the programme is central to government efforts to harness the potential of Nigeria’s youthful population by embedding innovation and entrepreneurship within the university system.
Also speaking, the UNDP Nigeria Resident Representative, Ms Elsie Attafuah, said Nigeria is the first country in Africa to scale the UniPods model through direct government investment.
She said the launch places Nigeria in a strong position as a leader in building a knowledge-driven economy on the continent.
Providing further details, Attafuah disclosed that specialised UniPods will be rolled out across the country, including mining technology at Nasarawa State University, Keffi; green and blue economy at the University of Uyo; manufacturing and trade at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike; agriculture and food systems at Benue State University, Makurdi; and resilience and recovery at the University of Maiduguri.
She added that the hubs are already established, fully equipped and ready for activation, with power supply, internet connectivity and operational teams in place.
According to her, the centres will form the first phase of a nationwide innovation network covering all geopolitical zones.
Attafuah further noted that Nigeria’s population of over 220 million people, with more than 60 per cent under the age of 25, presents a major opportunity for innovation-driven growth.
She explained that the UniPods will operate under the National Innovation and Digital Transformation Partnership Programme, a joint platform between UNDP and TETFund aimed at turning public investments into functional innovation ecosystems.
Under the plan, Nigeria aims to expand the initiative to more than 50 universities, train over 500,000 learners in advanced digital and artificial intelligence skills, and support between 1,500 and 2,000 startups and student ventures.
She added that the programme is also expected to drive large-scale job creation, strengthen enterprise development and position Nigeria as a hub for digital talent and innovation in Africa.
Attafuah commended Vice President Shettima for his leadership and commitment to advancing human capital development, innovation and economic diversification under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
