The Lagos State University (LASU) has partnered with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to officially launch the LASU Innovation Hub, designed as an incubation centre for ideas.

The ceremony attracted top government officials, royal fathers, captains of industry, stakeholders and eminent Nigerians on campus, as young innovators shared ideas, displayed prototypes, and engaged with potential investors.

Speaking at the event, Lagos State Deputy Governor Dr Obafemi Hamzat, who was represented by the Executive Secretary, Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board (LASTVEB), Ms Moronke Azeez, praised the UNDP for its strategic support and partnership with the university.

Hamzat hailed the university for its openness to innovation and dedication to academic excellence.

He advocated for a model of shared responsibility where government funds research and integrates findings in policies, private sectors collaborate with universities on product development, and universities invest in innovation hubs.

“The launch of the innovation hub signifies a shift in mindset, seeing problems as opportunities, young people as assets and universities as launch pads for national renewal,” he said.

The donor of the facility and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, expressed pride at having the innovation hub domiciled at LASU, which she described as a leading institution that has continued to shape young minds and develop future leaders

She noted that the hub is fully equipped to provide a dynamic environment for innovation, enterprise, and capacity development under the strategic management of the UNDP.

 “The hub is a launchpad for ideas, training ground, a safe space for creativity, experimentation and collaboration which will serve multiple purposes. This innovation hub will also serve as an incubator for startups and social enterprises, offering mentorship, business modelling, tips, training and access to funding opportunities and sustainable development,” she added.