The University of Lagos has appointed Professor Chika Yinka Banjo as the pioneer Director of its Artificial Intelligence University Innovation Pod, positioning one of Nigeria's foremost AI researchers to lead what the Institution envisions as a flagship hub for cutting edge research and technology driven solutions.

Professor Yinka Banjo, a Professor of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics in the Department of Artificial Intelligence Systems and Robotics within the Faculty of Computing and Informatics, will serve a two year term running from 16 March 2026 to 15 March 2028. She also coordinates the Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Lab at UNILAG and is widely recognised for her contributions to artificial intelligence, robotics, data science and intelligent systems.

The University noted that her appointment is expected to strengthen the AI UniPod as a centre for interdisciplinary collaboration and the development of artificial intelligence solutions to address real world challenges. Vice Chancellor Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola congratulated Professor Yinka Banjo on behalf of the University community and wished her a successful tenure.

The appointment signals UNILAG's intent to move beyond theoretical engagement with artificial intelligence and build institutional infrastructure capable of producing research with practical, scalable impact. At a time when Nigerian Universities are under increasing pressure to demonstrate relevance in a rapidly evolving global technology landscape, placing an established AI researcher at the helm of a dedicated innovation pod is a concrete step in the right direction, and one that students, researchers and industry partners will be watching closely.