The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced it will build technology hubs in Universities across the six geopolitical zones in the country with University of Lagos marked out as the first beneficiary.
The announcement was made by the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo at the Student Innovation Challenge (SIC) South West regional demo day recently held at the University of Lagos.
Earlier, the Nigerian government had disclosed the hubs will be built across the country with support from the World Bank donating an additional $3 million.
The Vice President while affirming the country’s pursuit and drive for technological development and advancement also said that the government is prepared to discover and employ talents in the universities by providing a breeding ground for innovation.
While speaking on the latest development, Osinbajo said, “The best of technological companies started from the universities and this is why we have decided to build technology hubs in the six geopolitical zones starting at the University of Lagos.
“Everybody knows where the smart money is looking and we all know that the universities are the best place to get the very best talents because we believe it is what is needed to shape the future of the country,” he added.
According to ITedgenews, Osinbajo while noting that the project is all-inclusive revealed that in organizing the challenge to get creative and innovative ideas, the government has partnered with agencies and organizations.
“We have partnered with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Bank of Industry (BOI), MTN and other agencies to organise the student challenge to find the best of students’ innovation, technology ideas and creative ideas from students across Nigeria. We want to gather many of the great ideas as much as possible for them to get a chance to be supported or tested commercially. It is absolutely the exciting time to be alive. The best days are here and the future is here,” said Osinbajo.
Also declaring support for the Nigerian startup ecosystem, the Managing Director, BOI, Mr. Olukayode Pitan said, “It is laudable that this platform allows the younger generation to showcase entrepreneurial insight, talent and innovation. The Bank of Industry (BOI) is Nigeria’s oldest, largest and most successful development financing institution. Our vision is to transform Nigeria’s industrial sector by providing financial and business support services to enterprises.
“I am elated that BOI is associated with the Student Innovation Challenge (SIC) because the initiative is a testament of the current paradigm shift being witnessed in Nigeria’s technology and business ecosystem. The challenge is particularly worthy of commendation because it is focused on students in tertiary institutions and creates access that allows the youth brainstorm on entrepreneurial and innovative ideas.”
