By Laurina B Lormia
The government has launched the University Innovation Pod (UniPod) and is urging young people to compete effectively on the global stage from Liberia.
The program was held on Wednesday July 17, in Monrovia to foster innovation and entrepreneurship among students, empowering them with the skills and resources necessary to thrive in an increasingly competitive international landscape.
Delivering statements on behalf of President Joseph Boakai, the Vice President Jeremiah Koung highlighted the significant step forward in the collective efforts towards digital empowerment and innovation in Liberia.
According to him, If Liberia will boast of a generation prepared to safeguard the future of the Nation, the government must begin to train students and youths with the technological skills of the 21st century.
The government is concerned about the technological disparity that exists between students and youth in developed countries and others in low-income countries such as Liberia. This is why the UNIPOD Liberia official launch gives hope that we are serious and prepare to embrace the digital age.
“Liberia’s future hinges on the government’s ability to harness the power of technology and innovation to drive progress, create opportunities, and empower the youth to lead the country into a brighter tomorrow,” VP Koung stressed.
He added , today citizens and people from around the world are gathered to celebrate the inauguration of the University Innovation Pod, Liberians must also reflect on the broader vision that the government has set forth for the digital transformation of this beloved nation.”
“In the past months, President Boakai made a promise to train 10,000 young people in digital skills through the digital transformation project, and today, Unipod is one of 13 Unipods to be established across Africa in line with the President’s vision,” he narrated.
“There must be no room for excuses, students and youth must be prepared for the challenges ahead, as technology is a major tool needed to confront these challenges,” he said.
“Unipod is not just a physical structure; it is a symbol of the government’s commitment to equipping the youths with the tools they need to thrive in this digital age.”
“Unipod contains a maker space, computers and accessories with workstations to address challenges in engineering, environment, agriculture, and business, and is set to become a cornerstone of innovation in the region, offering state-of-the-art facilities and resources for startups,” he asserted.
“It is impossible for the students and youth of Liberia to compete for jobs in ICT and the growing need for Artificial Intelligence without the requisite skills needed. The government is committed to create an environment where our youth will cultivate the digital skills demanded on a global scale.”
The use of technology in education will put our students and youth on par with the rest of the world, making education relevant to their digital lives.
“Many of the traditional jobs available today may be gone within five to ten years due to the rapid digital advancements across the world. Our students and youth must leave school with the technological skills needed in the future economy.”
He however, extended his thanks and appreciation to the President for his vision and leadership, UNDP, University of Liberia and all other stakeholders who made this possible.
He concluded that, this is truly a visionary initiative which is worth celebrating, and he calls on other development partners for continuous support to the Nation’s digital transformation drive.
