The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has partnered with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to establish and expand university-based innovation hubs across Nigeria, aiming to drive youth-led innovation and support sustainable development.
The partnership was announced on Monday during a courtesy visit by a UNDP delegation to TETFund’s headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking at the meeting, TETFund Executive Secretary, Arc. Sonny Echono, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, noting that UNDP’s focus on innovation, skills development, and structural reforms aligns with TETFund’s current initiatives.
“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 disclosed that TETFund is currently funding over 60 innovation hubs in tertiary institutions across the country, with plans to scale up and align efforts with UNDP-supported centres for broader 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 added.
Echono also emphasized the partnership's potential in research commercialization, technical skills development, and campus energy infrastructure. “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.”
In her remarks, UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Elsie G. Attafuah, commended TETFund for its visionary approach and youth-focused programs.
“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 stated.
She confirmed that UNDP is supporting the establishment of innovation hubs in eight universities by September, but stressed that the vision extends beyond infrastructure.
“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 said.
Attafuah highlighted the critical role of value-chain development, technology, and structural transformation in unlocking Nigeria’s full 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 added.
She further emphasized that all resources being deployed by the UNDP are drawn from Nigeria’s own funds allocated through the UN 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.”
ADEOLA KUNLE
