With the launching of Nigeria’s first Manufacturing Technology University Innovation Pod (Manu-Tech UniPod) at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), Abia State, all is set for Nigeria’s innovative drive.
DrumAfricanews reports landmark project is a joint venture of the Federal Government of Nigeria, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), and the Abia State Government.
While Abia State governor, Dr Alex Otti seeks sitting the project in Abia as strong institutional faith the UNDP and Federal Government have in the State’s potential as an engine of growth and economic prosperity in the region, Vice President His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima sees it as a “strategic investment in Nigeria’s future.”
According to the he Vice President who was represented at the event by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf OlaTunji Alausa, the establishment of the Manu-Tech UniPod reaffirms the Federal Government’s commitment to repositioning higher education as a catalyst for innovation, entrepreneurship, research commercialisation, and job creation
He noted that Universities must evolve beyond traditional teaching and research to become hubs for enterprise development, technology transfer, and industrial competitiveness.
In his keynote address titled “Science Meets Enterprise,” Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, noted that, the faith and efforts the partners have in Abia is yielding tangible results, adding that the event is a demonstration of that, and appreciated the siting of the project in Abia.
“The siting of the Manu-Tech UniPod in Abia speaks eloquently to the institutional faith UNDP and the Federal Government of Nigeria have reposed in our dear State and the potential it holds as an engine of growth and economic prosperity in the region.
The Governor who disclosed that his government supported the UniPod project because it aligns perfectly with the economic development outline of his administration, noted that,
“With the launch of the UniPod, a new interest in qualitative research will develop as scientists, students and everyone connected to the University ecosystem begin to look beyond random and hurried publication of academic papers just to score points for the next promotion cycle.
“The expectation is that research efforts henceforth will be directed at answering questions with practical, everyday applications” Gov. Otti stated.
The Governor thanked all the stakeholders and partners including the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund and the UNDP for their efforts and willpower that gave birth to the transformational project.
“Over the last 3 years, we have found them to be reliable partners which explains our expanding body of joint ventures projects targeting entrepreneurship development, job creation and similar initiatives aimed at opening new layers of economic and social opportunities for our women and young people in particular,” Gov. Otti stated.
The UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Regional Director for Africa, Mrs. Ahunna Eziakonwa, extolled Governor Otti’s passion for education and development. She said that coming to Abia is homecoming and described the UniPod initiative as a practical demonstration of the United Nations’ commitment to touching lives through impactful development programmes.
Mrs Ahunna commended Governor Otti for changing the Abia narrative, especially his commitment to the education sector where the State has made tremendous progress in the last 3 years. She thanked Governor Otti for congratulating her on her elevation and for personally delivering the hardcopy of the congratulatory letter to her.
The UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, described the launch as part of a broader national innovation ecosystem being developed across Nigeria through the UniPod initiative.
She explained that the programme aims to connect education, research, innovation, enterprise, and manufacturing, enabling Universities to become drivers of economic growth and global competitiveness.
Ms. Attafuah commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Federal Ministry of Education, TETFund, and the Abia State Government for their commitment to innovation-driven development. She particularly extolled Governor Alex Otti for his vision of transforming Abia into Nigeria’s leading hub for manufacturing and industrial innovation.
Earlier in her speech, the Vice-Chancellor of MOUAU, Professor Ursala Akanwa, described the commissioning as a defining moment in the University’s history.
She said the project represents the fulfilment of the institution’s mandate to deploy science, technology, and innovation in advancing agricultural development, manufacturing, and enterprise.
Prof. Akanwa expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, Federal Ministry of Education, UNDP, TETFund, and the Abia State Government for choosing MOUAU to host Nigeria’s first Manufacturing Tech UniPod.
