University of Benin launches Green Belt and innovation ecosystem

The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has launched the Campus Green Belt Initiative and a multi-disciplinary innovation ecosystem to advance climate action, technology training, and youth empowerment. Sponsored by Renaissance Africa Energy Group and delivered by The Offshore Lab, the project aims to transition the university into a hub for technological production and environmental stewardship.

The Green Belt initiative features a 1,000-tree orchard that serves as an experimental site for students to apply data science, Internet of Things (IoT) monitoring, and sustainable agricultural practices. This makes UNIBEN the second institution in a national network, following Bauchi State University.

Complementing the environmental efforts, the new innovation ecosystem will include an ICT Centre with 288 high-performance computing systems, a Deep Tech Hub with artificial intelligence platforms, and hardware fabrication laboratories. The project also includes a Virtual Museum of Benin to preserve and digitally showcase Edo cultural heritage.