JUST IN: FG launches Nigeria's first manufacturing technology innovation hub at Michael Okpara University

Education, Innovation & Technology

UMUDIKE, Nigeria (NPA) — The Federal Government has inaugurated Nigeria’s first Manufacturing Technology University Innovation Pod (Manu-Tech UniPod) at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, through a partnership involving the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and the Abia State Government.

Representing Vice President Kashim Shettima at the inauguration, the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, said the facility reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming universities into centres for innovation, entrepreneurship, research commercialisation and job creation.

According to the minister, Nigerian universities must evolve beyond their traditional teaching and research roles to become drivers of enterprise development, technology transfer and industrial competitiveness.

He said the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of building a $1 trillion economy by 2030 through innovation, industrialisation and human capital development.

Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, described the siting of the Manu-Tech UniPod in the state as a demonstration of confidence in Abia’s growing potential as a manufacturing and industrial hub.

United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the UNDP Regional Bureau for Africa, Ms Ahunna Eziakonwa, and the UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms Elsie Attafuah, described the project as a catalyst for youth innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable economic development.

The Vice-Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Prof. Ursula Akanwa, said the innovation hub represents a landmark achievement that will strengthen the university’s role in science, technology, manufacturing and enterprise development while promoting innovation and sustainable economic growth.