Monrovia – Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung has launched the University Innovation Pod-Liberia, describing it as crucial for the country’s future.
Speaking on behalf of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., at the launching ceremony on Wednesday, Vice President Koung underscored the UniPod’s role in equipping Liberian youth with essential 21st-century skills. He conveyed the President’s deep commitment to Liberia’s digital transformation despite his unavoidable absence due to pressing national engagements.
“The President would have loved to grace this occasion himself, but he has entrusted me to convey his enthusiasm and unwavering support for initiatives that propel Liberia into a digital future,” Vice President Koung expressed to the gathered audience.
Highlighting the profound importance of the UniPod, Vice President Koung emphasized the critical need for technological proficiency among the younger generation to secure Liberia’s future economic prosperity and societal advancement.
“This day marks a significant step forward in our collective efforts towards digital empowerment and innovation in Liberia,” Vice President Koung declared. “If we are to boast of a generation prepared to safeguard the future of our nation, we must begin to train our students and youth with the technological skills of the 21st century.”
He reiterated President Boakai’s commitment to training 10,000 young Liberians in digital skills through the UniPod initiative, positioning it as a cornerstone of Liberia’s strategy to harness the power of innovation.
The UniPod initiative, part of a broader African endeavor championed by President Boakai, integrates a maker space designed to address challenges across various disciplines, including engineering, agriculture, environmental sustainability, and business development. Koung hailed it as a transformative platform that would empower Liberian innovators and entrepreneurs to drive local solutions and economic growth.
“This UniPod is not just a physical structure; it is a symbol of our commitment to equipping our youth with the tools they need to thrive in this digital age,” Vice President Koung emphasized.
As Vice President Koung officially inaugurated the UniPod, he expressed optimism for Liberia’s future, urging Liberian youth to seize the opportunities presented by the UniPod to shape a prosperous tomorrow.
“The UniPod is more than just a facility; it represents hope and empowerment for our youth,” Vice President Koung declared. “It is a place where ideas will flourish, innovations will be born, and Liberia’s brightest minds will pave the way towards a brighter future.”
Luther Jeke, CEO of iCampus Liberia, echoed Koung’s sentiments, describing the UniPod’s launch as a testament to collaborative efforts and shared visions for Liberia’s future.
“As a partner in progress, this milestone represents countless hours of dedication and collaboration,” Jeke affirmed. “Our journey began with the Innovation Co-Working Space initiated by Accountability Lab in 2018, and I am honored to have played a role in bringing this vision to fruition.”
He underscored the UniPod’s potential to catalyze innovation and entrepreneurship among Liberian youth, emphasizing its role in fostering inclusive growth and development. Jeke noted that the project, held in partnership with the University of Liberia, Orange Digital Center, and UNDP, aims to foster innovation across sectors like engineering, agriculture, and business.
This initiative, he said, marks Liberia’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and preparing its youth for global competitiveness in the digital economy.
Anthony Ohemeng-Boamah, Resident Representative of UNDP Liberia, emphasized the pivotal role of digital innovation in driving economic growth and sustainable development across Liberia.
“Liberia’s youthful demographic, comprising nearly 75% of the population, represents a dynamic force for transformative growth through innovation and skills development,” Ohemeng-Boamah remarked. “UNDP’s new Pan-African financing initiative aims to promote innovation and design thinking among university students, fostering scalable entrepreneurship across Africa.”
He highlighted UNDP’s partnership with UL, Orange Digital Center, and iCampus Liberia in advancing Liberia’s digital agenda, stressing the initiative’s alignment with national priorities to train 10,000 youth in digital skills by mid-2024.
The UniPod launch signifies Liberia’s proactive stance in leveraging technology to bridge the digital divide and equip its youth with essential skills for the global economy. With commitments from government leaders, international organizations, and private sector partners, Liberia is poised to chart a path towards innovation-driven growth and development.
The launch ceremony concluded with a sense of optimism and commitment among attendees, setting the stage for a new era of digital innovation and economic prosperity in Liberia.
In remarks provided by various stakeholders, the event was hailed as a transformative moment for Liberia’s educational landscape and economic outlook. The UniPod, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including a maker space, digital media labs, and specialized workstations, symbolizes Liberia’s readiness to embrace technological advancements.
“This launch is not just about a physical structure; it is about laying the foundation for Liberia’s digital transformation,” emphasized Luther Jeke, reflecting on the collaborative efforts that brought the UniPod to fruition. “Our partnership with the University of Liberia and other stakeholders underscores the power of collaboration in driving meaningful change.”
Anthony Ohemeng-Boamah from UNDP Liberia reiterated the organization’s commitment to supporting Liberia’s digital journey, emphasizing the role of innovation in addressing socio-economic challenges and empowering youth.
“The UniPod initiative aligns perfectly with UNDP’s mandate to foster inclusive growth and sustainable development,” stated Ohemeng-Boamah. “We are confident that this initiative will not only enhance educational outcomes but also catalyze economic opportunities for Liberian youth.”
The launch ceremony was attended by government officials, representatives from international organizations, academia, and members of the private sector, all united in their support for Liberia’s digital aspirations.
Looking ahead, the UniPod at UL’s Fendell Campus is poised to become a hub of creativity and innovation, where Liberian students and entrepreneurs can collaborate, innovate, and develop solutions that address local and global challenges.