The University of Lagos (UNILAG) Management, on Friday, July 3, 2026, received the United Nations (UN) Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser on Africa, Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa.
Ms. Eziakonwa was on an official visit to the UNILAG Artificial Intelligence (AI) UniPod in company of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, alongside other UNDP officials.
The delegation was received by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services), Professor Foluso Afolabi Lesi, who accompanied them on a guided tour of the AI UniPod, one of UNILAG’s flagship innovation hubs established to promote research, entrepreneurship and technology-driven solutions to societal challenges.
A major highlight of the visit was a comprehensive demonstration of the AI Robotic Scribe, an assistive voice-to-text technology developed to support individuals living with cerebral palsy and other communication impairments (click https://www.lagosedu.com/from-compassion-to-code-how-unilag-students-are-using-ai-to-transform-accessibility-for-students-with-disabilities/ for more on the assistive voice-to-text technology).
The delegation was briefed on the concept, design, and multidisciplinary approach behind the innovation. Presentations covered medical, legal, and technology perspectives that collectively underpin the project, led by the Director of the UNILAG AI UniPod, Professor Chika Yinka-Badejo.
The visitors also toured various sections of the facility, including the Makers’ Space, Design Studio, Pitch Garage, Conference Room, and Training Room. They were introduced to the University’s growing ecosystem for innovation, creativity, and enterprise development.
Expressing her admiration for the quality of work being undertaken at the AI UniPod, Ms. Eziakonwa described the AI Robotic Scribe as a practical demonstration of how innovation can be harnessed to address real societal needs. She noted that the project validates investments in research, innovation and human capital development, particularly in the application of artificial intelligence to improve lives and promote inclusion.
The visit further underscored the shared commitment of UNILAG and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to advancing innovation, digital transformation and sustainable development through strategic collaboration.
Report: Gbenga Gbelee
Photograph: Michael Joshua
