Tuesday, March 18, 2025, witnessed the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) officially putting pen to paper to cement their commitment to creating an outstanding Artificial Intelligence-focused ecosystem within the University, through the UNILAG UniPod project.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which is targeted at advancing research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership, will allow both parties to directly impart knowledge to future generations and positively impact their critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS, Vice-Chancellor, UNILAG, warmly received the UNDP delegation led by Elsie Attafuah, Resident Representative, UNDP Nigeria.
She expressed delight to see, through designs, the UNILAG UniPod project taking a life of its own after the ground-breaking ceremony held in July 2024.
Being the pioneer Nigerian university to house one of these dynamic and future-ready spaces, UNILAG Management basked in excitement for the great opportunities that would soon be unleashed with AI in the hub.
It was also a moment of pride for the Vice-Chancellor when it was revealed that a graduate of the University, Adedoyin, was actively working in the team of architects who designed and will implement the remodelling of the space earmarked for UNILAG UniPod. The revelation was made by Mr Kelechi Onyike, Managing Director, PODEX Associates Limited, the architectural firm bringing the UniPod to life as he gave a brief presentation highlighting the features of the project.
According to Mr Onyike, the AI-centric hub would feature an Artificial Intelligence Lab, Exhibition Space, and Event Space, as well as a Design Lab, Design Studio, Maker Space, Collaboration Spaces, and Pitch Garage. All of these spaces will artistically flow into each other embodying the communal essence of the African heritage while maintaining the functionality of a dynamic collaborative hub. It will also be a space that will house various plants and African artworks to give a calming and welcoming ambience.
The delivery date promised by PODEX Associates is June 2025; a promise that brought a spark to the eyes of everyone present as the anticipation for the magnificent edifice and its potential pulsed.
Elsie Attafuah, Resident Representative, UNDP Nigeria, noted that artificial intelligence has been receiving notable attention and investment from a global point of view. She shared her belief that by all indications, UNILAG and UNDP were in the right direction by having the UNILAG UniPod focus on AI innovations.
She described UNILAG as a forerunner in this field as her team’s conversations with their Zambia counterparts reflected the country’s plan to model a UniPod based on what UNILAG is doing. She appreciated Professor Ogunsola’s exemplary leadership, sharing her wish for the good collaborative work between UNILAG and UNDP to continue in earnest. She also shared her hopes to get the finished project launched as quickly as possible.
Professor Folasade Ogunsola assured the Resident Representative, UNDP Nigeria, of UNILAG’s perpetual commitment to ensuring the right ecosystem is built around its campuses for innovative endeavours, inspiration to learn, and broadening the minds and prowess of UNILAG students and all those who come into the University in search of knowledge.
The Vice-Chancellor lauded the PODEX team for an immaculate design. In her words: “I love it. I absolutely love it. I love the greenery, it’s so warm and inviting.” She equally commended the different teams working assiduously behind the scenes to ensure the success of the project.
The meeting concluded with photographs and warm pleasantries between the two visionary leaders, which naturally mirrored in the interactions of the different teams present.
Author: Nike Ogunshakin
Photographer: Islamiat Akanni
Article Editor: Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem
