LocationsUnlocking Akwa Ibom’s Expansive Potential: The leverage of the University Innovation Hub (Unipod) at the University of Uyo — By Elsie Attafuah UNDP Resident Representative, Nigeria
February 28, 2025
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), together with the Federal and State Government of Nigeria and partners, are establishing a University Innovation Hub (Unipod) at the Uyo University, Akwa IBOM State.
Akwa Ibom, the land of promise as she is known, is home to some of Nigeria’s most stunning natural attractions, including the Ibom Golf Resort, the Akwa Ibom Beach, the beautiful scenery of the Imo River and the upcoming ARISE Park. Located in the heart of Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta, Akwa Ibom State is a treasure trove of natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. The state has a strong tradition of music, dance, and art. With its warm climate, beautiful landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, Akwa Ibom State has all the ingredients to become a top tourist destination in Nigeria.
This beautiful State is also home to Ibom Air, — Nigeria’s fastest-growing airline, that has been instrumental in connecting it to the rest of Nigeria and the continent. With its modern fleet of aircrafts and excellent customer service, Ibom Air has made it easier for goods and services to move, and opened doors for visitors into Akwa Ibom State, — unlocking new opportunities for a possible local tourism industry. The airline’s commitment to safety, comfort, and reliability has earned it a reputation as one of Nigeria’s best airlines.
Emerging out of the state is a growing innovation and digital transformation ecosystem that converges under the annual Akwa IBOM Tech Week! This has evolved into an R&D platform for re-imagining the future of the State and its strategic positioning in Nigeria! Locating a Unipod in Uyo is therefore a core part of a larger vision to further deepen this ecosystem, while unlocking new opportunities for Sustainable Development.
Emerging out of the state is a growing innovation and digital transformation ecosystem that converges under the annual Akwa IBOM Tech Week! This has evolved into an R&D platform for re-imagining the future of the State and its strategic positioning in Nigeria! Locating a Unipod in Uyo is therefore a core part of a larger vision to further deepen this ecosystem, while unlocking new opportunities for Sustainable Development.
The massive potential to leverage inter-state collaboration in areas of comparative advantage could boost the productive capacity of the state, especially in areas of export-oriented agriculture and manufacturing.
With the State’s unique blend of natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, Akwa Ibom State has the potential to become a hub for sustainable tourism development in Nigeria, integrating it to key productive sectors of the economy. The Unipod, with its focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration, will play a critical role in unlocking this potential, driving growth, job creation, and economic diversification in Akwa Ibom State and beyond.