The University of Lagos (UNILAG) welcomed members of its academic community to an Open House Day at the UNILAG AI UniPod on Tuesday, March 10, 2025. The facility, strategically located along Commercial Road, opened its doors ahead of its official launch, offering a glimpse into the university’s latest innovation hub.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, the Provost of the College of Medicine, Professor Ademola Oremosu, toured the facility along with the Director of NITDA Information and Technology hub, University of Lagos (Nithub, UNILAG), Dr. Victor Odumuyiwa; Dean, Faculty of Computing and Informatics, Prof. Adetunji Adewole; Head, Department of Computer Science, Dr. Chika Yinka-Banjo as well as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) team comprising Jamila Mohammed, Seynabou Sall, Emmanuel Ojuerdie, Akhibi Ohioreneya, and Emmanuel Egorp.
He commended UNDP for selecting UNILAG as one of its key partners in Africa, and emphasized that the facility would serve as a catalyst for groundbreaking innovation, reinforcing UNILAG’s reputation as a leader in creativity and technological advancement.
Professor Oremosu highlighted the university’s existing structures and hubs across campus to facilitate research and innovation including the Research Management Office (RMO), Innovation and Technology Management Office (ITMO), among others. He noted, however, that the AI UniPod stands out as a unique platform designed to unlock the creative potential of students and researchers.
“This hub will further bring out a lot of the creativity that’s inside people,” he remarked, assuring the UNDP team of the vibrant student innovation that will emerge from the space.
The Provost expressed confidence in the hub’s ability to nurture talent, citing the university’s track record of students excelling in national and international competitions. He added that the facility would play a vital role in developing indigenous solutions to Nigeria’s challenges.
During the event, Mrs. Jamila Mohammed proposed fostering collaboration among all innovation hubs on campus to maximize synergy and avoid duplication of efforts in AI research and development.
The AI UniPod project commenced with an official groundbreaking ceremony jointly conducted by UNILAG and the UNDP Regional Bureau for Africa on July 10, 2024.
The state-of-the-art facility has several features including an Artificial Intelligence Lab, Exhibition and Event Spaces, a Design Lab and Studio, Maker Space, Collaboration Areas, and a Pitch Garage. It is equipped with advanced tools including robotics components, PCD printers, resin and 3D printers, and a CO₂ laser machine, among others, providing a robust environment for experimentation and innovation.
Here’s a quick tour of the facility:
Author: Ndidi J. Odinikaeze
Editor: Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem
Photographer: Ayo Oloyede
Videographer and editor: Temilayo Olusola
