Vice President Kashim Shettima is set to inaugurate the first University Innovation Pods (UniPods) in Africa at the University of Lagos on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
The initiative, developed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the Federal Government, aims to transform Nigerian universities into hubs for innovation, research and enterprise development.
Speaking during a press briefing at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, said the UniPods project reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to repositioning universities as drivers of economic growth and technological advancement.
He explained that the initiative is designed to address the gap between formal education and labour market outcomes by strengthening the connection between academic research, industry, and investment.
According to him, the programme seeks to establish a national innovation system that will enable universities to nurture talent and support the development of viable enterprises.
The rollout of the project will begin with the establishment of an Artificial Intelligence Innovation Pod at the University of Lagos, which will serve as the first centre under the programme.
Additional UniPods are expected to be established in Abia, Akwa Ibom, Nasarawa, Benue and Borno states as the initiative expands across the country.
The Federal Government aims to scale the programme to more than 50 universities nationwide, with a target of equipping over 500,000 learners with advanced digital and artificial intelligence skills.
