UNIVERSITY OF MAIDUGURI VICE-CHANCELLOR PARTICIPATES IN HIGH-LEVEL MEETING ON UNDP UniPod INITIATIVE

The Vice-Chancellor University of Maiduguri, Prof. Mohammed Laminu Mele, on Tuesday, 9th September 2025, participated in a strategic meeting convened by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative in Nigeria with Vice-Chancellors of selected host universities for the UniPod Innovation Hubs.

The meeting, held in Abuja, provided a platform to review progress on the establishment of UniPods across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. Discussions focused on operations, governance and management structures, resourcing, and sustainability, with the aim of positioning the UniPods to nurture youth-led solutions, foster entrepreneurship, and accelerate the adoption of emerging technologies.

In his remarks, Prof. Mele reaffirmed the University’s strong commitment to the success of the UniPod at Maiduguri, emphasizing that it will serve as a hub for innovation, research, and entrepreneurship, not only for the Northeast region but also for Nigeria and neighbouring countries. He noted that the University had already signed an MoU with UNDP on 31st January 2025 and has since invested significantly in infrastructure, security, power, and water supply to support the Centre.

Earlier, the coordinator of the UNDP UniPod at the University of Maiduguri, Prof. Mohammed Dauda, highlighted progress made so far, including the delivery of equipment for key labs and spaces such as the Creatives Lab, Food Processing Lab, Prototyping Space, and Wood Workshop, with more facilities expected in the coming months.

The UNDP Resident Representative, Miss Elsie Attafuah, commended the leadership of the University of Maiduguri for its proactive role in laying the foundation for a vibrant innovation ecosystem. She stressed that “Nigeria’s youthful energy and creativity are its greatest assets, and they must be provided with the opportunities to thrive. By aligning our efforts and deepening collaboration, UniPods will bridge research, industry, and innovation, creating pathways for jobs, economic empowerment, and sustainable development.”

She added that the Vice-Chancellor’s participation in this high-level convening further cements the University of Maiduguri’s position as a regional leader in innovation and entrepreneurship development. She also noted that the UniPod at the University, hosted at the Abdul Samad Rabiu International Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ASR-ICiE), will comprise nine specialized components, including labs for renewable energy, electronics, textiles, food processing, prototyping, engineering/CNC workshop, and a technology transfer office.

She then said, with UNDP’s support and the University’s commitment, the UniPod at Maiduguri is set to become a transformative platform that empowers youth, drives research commercialization, fosters start-ups, and contributes to peacebuilding and economic recovery in the Northeast.