Artificial Intelligence is becoming more than just a buzzword in Nigerian universities. At the University of Lagos (UNILAG), students and researchers are using it to solve real-life problems and improve lives.
That effort received international recognition on Friday as the United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser on Africa, Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa, visited the university’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) UniPod.
She was accompanied by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, and other UNDP officials.
The delegation was received by UNILAG’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services), Prof. Foluso Afolabi Lesi, who led them on a tour of the AI UniPod, one of the university’s innovation hubs established to promote research, entrepreneurship and technology-driven solutions.
A major highlight of the visit was the demonstration of the AI Robotic Scribe, an assistive voice-to-text technology designed to help people living with cerebral palsy and other communication impairments.
The visitors were taken through the idea behind the innovation, with presentations explaining its medical, legal and technological foundations. The project is led by the Director of the UNILAG AI UniPod, Prof. Chika Yinka-Badejo.
The delegation also toured the facility’s Makers’ Space, Design Studio, Pitch Garage, Conference Room and Training Room, where they were introduced to the university’s growing innovation ecosystem.
Speaking after the demonstration, Eziakonwa praised the AI Robotic Scribe, describing it as a practical example of how technology can be used to solve real societal challenges.
She said the project shows the importance of investing in research, innovation and human capital development, particularly in using artificial intelligence to promote inclusion and improve lives.
The visit also reinforced the partnership between UNILAG and the United Nations Development Programme in advancing innovation, digital transformation and sustainable development through collaboration.
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