Governor Alex Otti of Abia State on Monday joined Vice President Kashim Shettima and other stakeholders for the official launch of the Manufacturing Technology, Manu-Tech, University Innovation Pod, UniPod, at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, MOUAU.
The event had in attendance the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, who represented the Vice President, Executive Secretary of TETFund, Architect Sonny Echono, UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Africa Director, Mrs. Ahunna Eziakonwa, and UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Elsie Attafuah.
Also present was the Vice-Chancellor of MOUAU, Prof. (Mrs.) Ursula Ngozi Akanwa.
Speaking at the launch, Governor Otti said the Manu-Tech UniPod, under the National Innovation and Digital Transformation Partnership Programme, NIDTPP, is a collaborative initiative of the Federal Government, TETFund and UNDP.
He said the facility will empower universities to transform research and talent into enterprises that thrive globally, noting that Abia was chosen for MOUAU’s potential and Aba’s manufacturing strength.
According to him, the UniPod will drive innovation, entrepreneurship, MSME growth, investment and sustainable jobs.
Otti added that the state will deepen partnerships with UNDP to expand initiatives such as the Jubilee Fellows Programme, Aba Export Growth Lab, energy investments, industrial competitiveness and community innovation centres.
He commended the Federal Government, TETFund, UNDP, MOUAU and all partners for the collaboration, and urged Nigerians to leverage the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, AfCFTA, to innovate, produce and compete globally.
Otti, Shettima Launch Manufacturing Tech Innovation Pod At MOUAU, Umudike
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