The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has appointed Professor Chika Yinka-Banjo as the pioneer Director of its Artificial Intelligence University Innovation Pod (AI-UniPod), in a strategic move to deepen research, innovation, and real-world AI applications.
Yinka-Banjo, a Professor of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics in the Department of Artificial Intelligent Systems and Robotics, Faculty of Computing and Informatics, will serve a two-year term from March 16, 2026, to March 15, 2028.
Her appointment signals UNILAG’s growing commitment to strengthening its position in artificial intelligence, data science, and emerging technologies within Nigeria’s higher education landscape.
Before her appointment, Yinka-Banjo served as Coordinator of the Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Lab (AIRLAB) at UNILAG, where she led research and capacity development initiatives in intelligent systems, robotics, and data-driven innovation.
She brings to the new role extensive experience spanning artificial intelligence, robotics, and data science, with a strong record of interdisciplinary research and innovation-driven projects.
The AI-UniPod is envisioned as a hub for cutting-edge research, collaboration, and the development of AI-driven solutions to real-world challenges, aligning with global trends in digital transformation and smart technologies.
Under her leadership, the Pod is expected to foster partnerships across academia, industry, and government, while also enhancing student training and innovation capacity in high-demand tech fields.
Commenting on the appointment, the Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, congratulated Yinka-Banjo and expressed confidence in her ability to lead the initiative successfully.
The development comes at a time when Nigerian universities are increasingly investing in artificial intelligence and innovation ecosystems to remain competitive globally and contribute to national development.
With Yinka-Banjo at the helm, UNILAG’s AI-UniPod is poised to become a key driver of research excellence, technological advancement, and talent development in Africa’s rapidly evolving AI space.
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