The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has hosted the United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser on Africa, Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa, during an official visit that highlighted the institution’s growing role in artificial intelligence-driven innovation and inclusive development.
Ms. Eziakonwa visited the university’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) UniPod on Friday, accompanied by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, and other senior UNDP officials.
The delegation was welcomed by UNILAG’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services), Professor Foluso Afolabi Lesi, who led them on a tour of the AI UniPod, one of the university’s flagship innovation centres established to foster research, entrepreneurship, and technology-based solutions to pressing societal challenges.
A major highlight of the visit was the presentation of the AI Robotic Scribe, an assistive voice-to-text technology designed to improve communication for individuals living with cerebral palsy and other speech-related disabilities.
The innovative solution, developed through a multidisciplinary approach, integrates expertise from medicine, law, and technology to provide accessible communication tools for people with disabilities. The delegation received detailed briefings on the concept, development process, and practical applications of the project from the Director of the UNILAG AI UniPod, Professor Chika Yinka-Badejo.
Beyond the AI Robotic Scribe, the visitors toured several sections of the innovation hub, including the Makers’ Space, Design Studio, Pitch Garage, Conference Room, and Training Room, where they were introduced to the university’s expanding ecosystem for innovation, creativity, entrepreneurship, and enterprise development.
Speaking after the tour, Ms. Eziakonwa praised the quality of research and innovation taking place at the AI UniPod, describing the AI Robotic Scribe as a compelling example of how artificial intelligence can be deployed to solve real-world problems and improve the lives of vulnerable populations.
She noted that the project demonstrates the value of sustained investment in research, innovation, and human capital development, particularly in leveraging emerging technologies to promote accessibility, inclusion, and sustainable development.
According to her, initiatives such as the AI Robotic Scribe reflect the transformative potential of artificial intelligence when applied to addressing societal needs and expanding opportunities for persons with disabilities.
The visit also reinforced the growing partnership between UNILAG and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with both organisations reaffirming their commitment to advancing digital transformation, innovation, and sustainable development through strategic collaboration.
The engagement underscores UNILAG’s ambition to position itself as a leading centre for AI research and innovation while contributing practical technological solutions that address local and global development challenges.
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