Abia’s Selection for First UniPod Shows Federal Confidence in State As Innovation Hub — Otti

Nigeria has recorded another milestone in its innovation and industrial development drive with the inauguration of the country’s first Manufacturing Technology University Innovation Pod (Manu-Tech UniPod) at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike.

The project is a partnership between the Federal Government, the United Nations Development Programme, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, and the Abia State Government.

Representing Vice President Kashim Shettima at the inauguration, the Minister of Education, Maruf Olatunji Alausa, described the UniPod as a strategic investment that will transform Nigerian universities into centres for innovation, entrepreneurship, research commercialisation, and job creation.

In his keynote address titled Science Meets Enterprise, Alex Otti said the choice of Abia to host Nigeria’s first Manufacturing Technology UniPod reflects the confidence reposed in the state as an emerging hub for industrial growth and economic transformation.

Governor Otti noted that the facility aligns with his administration’s vision of promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, industrialisation, and youth empowerment, expressing optimism that it would bridge the gap between academic research and commercially viable solutions.

Also speaking, Elsie Attafuah said the initiative is part of a broader national innovation ecosystem designed to connect education, research, manufacturing, enterprise, and technology, while commending the Federal Government and the Abia State Government for driving innovation-led development.

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of MOUAU, Ursula Akanwa, described the inauguration as a landmark achievement for the institution, saying the project reinforces the university’s commitment to advancing science, technology, entrepreneurship, and national development.

The Manu-Tech UniPod is expected to provide students, researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs with access to advanced manufacturing equipment, prototyping facilities, innovation support services, and industry mentorship to transform research ideas into market-ready products and sustainable businesses.

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