UNIPOD recently welcomed a prestigious delegation comprising notable figures in academia, innovation, and international development. Among them were Dr. Ignace Gatare, Principal of the University of Rwanda College of Science and Technology; H.E. Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Immediate Past Vice President of Nigeria and Guardian of the Timbuktoo Africa Innovation Foundation; Ozonnia Ojielo, UN Resident Coordinator; Varsha Redkar-Palepua, Resident Representative of UNDP Rwanda; Dr. Joy Kategekwa, Timbuktoo lead; along with representatives from both UNDP Rwanda Team and UNDP HQ Timbuktoo Team.
The visit commenced with a warm welcome from Dr. Ignace Gatare, followed by an insightful guided tour led by technicians and students, who showcased the facility’s ten cutting-edge labs. A pivotal moment was the coffee session with H.E. Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, during which he underscored the paramount significance of collaboration between academia and the private sector. Dr. Gatare echoed the university’s unwavering commitment to integrating UNIPOD into the curriculum, while UN Resident Coordinator Ozonnia Ojielo lauded UniPod’s pivotal role in nurturing student-led innovation and reiterated UNDP’s staunch support.
Following the visit, the Timbuktoo Africa Innovation Foundation was incorporated in Kigali, Rwanda. Timbuktoo, a collaborative effort between UNDP, African governments, and the private sector, aims to be the world’s largest initiative supporting Africa’s innovation ecosystem. Already establishing University Innovation Pods (UniPods) in 13 African cities, it provides space for young innovators to develop their ideas into viable ventures. Notably, Ms. Natalie Jabangwe has been appointed as Ad Interim Executive Secretary, and Professor Yemi Osinbajo, immediate past Vice President of Nigeria, has been named Guardian of the Foundation, reinforcing its leadership and commitment.
