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By Lizzy Chirkpi
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is leveraging Nigeria’s ongoing tertiary infrastructure revolution to drive youth-led innovation and unlock new pathways to sustainable development.
UNDP’s Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Elsie G. Attafuah, made this known during a courtesy visit to the headquarters of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) in Abuja.
She commended the Fund’s leadership for prioritizing youth empowerment through visionary programs and infrastructure upgrades in tertiary institutions.
“We’ve long admired the incredible work TETFund is doing. But beyond admiration, we’re here to collaborate and support Nigeria’s development through the ‘Nigeria First’ agenda. It’s time to pool resources and co-invest in Nigerian talent,” Attafuah said.
According to her, UNDP is currently supporting the establishment of innovation hubs in eight Nigerian universities, with completion targeted for September. However, she emphasized that the initiative goes far beyond bricks and mortar.
“The goal is not just about building hubs—it’s about scaling ideas, de-risking innovation, and opening up access to capital for youth-led ventures. That’s where this partnership becomes transformational,” she noted.
Attafuah further pointed out the importance of value-chain development, technological integration, and structural transformation in realizing Nigeria’s full economic potential.
“Nigeria is rich in resources like lithium in Nasarawa, but the value is lost without technology. We want to connect innovation with trade, jobs, and sustainable livelihoods. Our partnership with the University of Lagos to establish the first AI Core in Nigeria is a major step in that direction,” she said.
She also explained that all resources being deployed by UNDP in this regard are drawn from Nigeria’s own funding within the United Nations system.
“This is Nigeria’s money working for Nigeria. We welcome co-investment and shared governance of the hubs. We’d also be glad to arrange study tours to other successful models in countries like Uganda and the UAE,” Attafuah stated.
In his response, TETFund Executive Secretary, Arc. Sonny Echono, expressed strong support for the partnership, describing it as a perfect alignment with the Fund’s ongoing work around innovation, skills development, and economic transformation.
“I’m very glad to deepen this relationship. Nigeria has one of the most youthful populations in the world—smart, hardworking, and curious. Innovation comes naturally to our people. What we must do is provide them with the right environment, infrastructure, and platforms to thrive,” Echono said.
He revealed that TETFund is already supporting over 60 innovation hubs across tertiary institutions, with a goal to expand and synchronize efforts with UNDP-backed centres to enhance national impact.
“We started with 18 hubs and are scaling to 68 this year. We’re replicating a model in Abuja with Israeli startups and working with institutions to link students to local industries like Panteka in Kaduna and Computer Village in Lagos for hands-on learning. Your eight hubs will blend seamlessly with our network,” he explained.
The TETFund boss also highlighted additional initiatives aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s research and innovation ecosystem.
“We’ve inaugurated a national committee on commercializing research outputs and are constructing six regional laboratories across Nigeria. Additionally, nine universities will benefit from renewable energy upgrades this year,” Echono disclosed.
The meeting marked a step in a growing partnership that both sides say could serve as a blueprint for leveraging education infrastructure for national development.