Nigeria Poised to Lead Africa in AI Innovation as Shettima Launches UniPod in Lagos
Vice President Kashim Shettima has declared Nigeria’s readiness to take a leading role in deploying Artificial Intelligence (AI) to drive Africa’s economic transformation and future prosperity.
Speaking at the launch of the AI University Innovation Pod (UniPod) at the University of Lagos, Shettima described AI as a powerful, general-purpose technology capable of redefining human potential and shaping the future of societies.
Represented by Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, the Vice President stressed that Nigeria must not remain passive in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. He emphasized the need for strong digital foundations that empower innovators, institutions, and businesses to develop solutions tailored to the country’s unique challenges.
According to him, AI holds transformative potential across key sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, and finance, but must be deployed in a way that is inclusive, equitable, and aligned with national values.
“Our goal is clear — to position Nigeria not just as a consumer of imported technologies, but as a producer of innovation, knowledge, and scalable solutions,” he stated.
Shettima noted that initiatives like the UniPod reflect a strategic shift in Nigeria’s higher education system, transforming universities into hubs for innovation, enterprise, and national development. He explained that the platform would enable collaboration between students, researchers, and industry players to create practical, market-driven solutions.
The Vice President also acknowledged the contributions of development partners, including the United Nations Development Programme, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, and the Lagos State Government, for supporting the initiative.
In her remarks, UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Elsie G. Attafuah, described the UniPod as a critical system that connects knowledge to opportunity and innovation to enterprise. She said the initiative would empower Nigeria’s youth to actively shape the future while strengthening the country’s global competitiveness.
She added that the programme is designed not as a one-off intervention but as part of a broader strategy to build sustainable innovation ecosystems across the country.
The launch marks a significant step in Nigeria’s ambition to harness emerging technologies for inclusive growth, positioning the nation as a key driver of AI innovation on the African continent.
Nigeria Poised to Lead Africa in AI Innovation as Shettima Launches UniPod in Lagos