Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has emphasized the need for universities to shift from their traditional role as centers of learning to driving forces of industrial growth.
A New Era for Universities
At the launch of the Manu-tech Unipod at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), Vice President Shettima called for universities to become engines of industrial growth, citing their potential to unlock economic development and innovation.
According to the Vice President, Nigeria’s universities should be at the forefront of driving industrial growth, creating jobs, and stimulating economic activity.
Unlocking Abia’s Potential
The launch of the Manu-tech Unipod, a innovation ecosystem, was also attended by the Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, who believes that the UniPod will unlock the state’s industrial potential.
Otti stated that the UniPod will provide a platform for entrepreneurship, innovation, and technological advancement, driving economic growth and development in Abia.
A Celebration of Innovation
The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and the United Nations (UN) have also hailed the innovation ecosystem, recognizing its potential to drive economic growth and development.
TETFund’s Executive Secretary, Sonny Echono, commended the launch of the Manu-tech Unipod, stating that it aligns with the fund’s mission to drive innovation and entrepreneurship in universities.
What this means: Universities in Nigeria are being called upon to play a more active role in driving economic growth and development, rather than just focusing on academic pursuits. This shift in focus could lead to the creation of jobs, stimulation of economic activity, and the development of innovative technologies.
