UNICEF opens Nigeria’s first behavioural research lab at UNILAG

The United Nations Children’s Fund has officially opened the first Behavioural Insights Research and Design Laboratory (BIRD-Lab) in Nigeria, located at the University of Lagos, aimed at enhancing research on the social and behavioural factors influencing child survival and development.

UNICEF explained that the BIRD-Lab was established in partnership with 19 Nigerian universities to advance the application of social and behavioural insights in child survival and development initiatives across the country and will operate as a centre for both traditional and innovative behavioural research.

The facility, described as the first of its kind in Nigeria and the second on the African continent, is intended to produce evidence-based solutions for challenges in health, education, and social development by analysing and shaping behaviour.

The inauguration, which took place on Friday at the College of Medicine, UNILAG, was attended by representatives from government, civil society, the media, and academic institutions.

Prof. Afolabi Lesi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services), speaking on behalf of UNILAG Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, stated that the project is expected to flourish due to its multidisciplinary, Afrocentric, and collaborative approach.

“Currently, at the University of Lagos, we have over 23 research centres, seven institutes, and eight innovation hubs. This positions us to be strong partners in this project.”

“We are not just looking at behaviour from a medical point of view. It involves sociologists, community physicians, and partners.”

“With collaboration at its core, there’s no doubt this project will succeed. In years to come, we who are here will say we were witnesses to history in the making,” Lesi noted.

UNICEF Nigeria Country Representative, Wafaa Saeed, said the project would redefine the design of child-focused programmes.

“Everything UNICEF does begins and ends with children. This is why BIRD-Lab Nigeria unites experts from psychology, sociology, nutrition, communication, and other disciplines,” she explained.

She emphasised that the aim of the laboratory is not to bring in external solutions but to develop locally appropriate strategies.

“This is not about importing solutions from outside but about co-creating culturally relevant approaches that belong to Nigeria.”

“It will combine virtual and physical spaces to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and generate evidence-based solutions for sustainable development,” Saeed said.

Chairman of the inauguration, Prof. Akin Osibogun, described the BIRD-Lab as “a novel addition” to Nigeria’s research environment, noting that with 19 universities already involved, its outlook was promising.

“The BIRD-Lab is a welcome addition to initiatives that prioritise evidence for planning and action.”

“With several universities lining up to join the network, the partnership built around it looks quite solid,” Osibogun said.

Prof. Ademola Oremosu, Provost of UNILAG’s College of Medicine, said the initiative would tackle maternal and child health challenges beyond hospital settings.

“We will measure impact using indices such as reduced maternal and infant mortality, improved child survival, and better immunisation coverage — evidence to guide policy and reform,” Oremosu said.

UNICEF’s Chief of Social Behaviour Change, Kshitij Joshi, pointed out that the laboratory is intended to serve as a model for replication across the country.

“The platform brings together diverse expertise to address challenges from health to education and sanitation. Student-generated data is being turned into policy briefs, shaping government interventions,” he explained.

He added that the Federal Ministry of Health had allocated space for incorporating BIRD-Lab findings into national policies.

Deputy Nigeria Representative, UNICEF, Rownak Khan, said, “UNICEF is proud to partner with UNILAG, and I hope the lab becomes a strong vehicle for equity, helping us focus deliberately on the most underserved and excluded groups so that no child is left behind.”