UNICEF BIRD-Lab Nigeria launches at UNILAG to drive behavioural research, foster innovation, and boost child survival, health, and education outcomes

The UNICEF BIRD-Lab Nigeria has been inaugurated at the University of Lagos as the country’s first Behavioural Insights Research and Design Laboratory, aimed at transforming child survival and development interventions through behavioural research.

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Launched in partnership with 19 Nigerian universities, the facility is only the second of its kind in Africa.

It will serve as a hub for innovative and evidence-based solutions targeting child health, education, and social wellbeing by understanding and influencing behaviours.

Speaking at the unveiling, UNILAG Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Afolabi Lesi, said the project’s multidisciplinary and Afrocentric approach positioned it for success.

“With over 23 research centres, seven institutes, and eight innovation hubs, UNILAG is a strong partner for this project,” he said.

UNICEF Nigeria Country Representative, Wafaa Saeed, explained that the lab would reshape child-focused programming by generating culturally relevant responses.

“This is not about importing solutions, but co-creating approaches that belong to Nigeria,” she stressed.

The BIRD-Lab combines virtual and physical platforms to foster interdisciplinary collaboration.

According to UNICEF’s Chief of Social Behaviour Change, Kshitij Joshi, the laboratory will provide data that informs policies, with the Federal Ministry of Health already allocating space to integrate findings into national strategies.

Provost of UNILAG’s College of Medicine, Prof. Ademola Oremosu, added that impact would be measured through reduced maternal and infant mortality, improved child survival, and better immunisation coverage.

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With its consortium of universities and support from UNICEF, the UNICEF BIRD-Lab Nigeria is expected to become a model for nationwide replication, driving equity and ensuring no child is left behind.