Founder of STEM Collaborators in Nigeria, Adeola Akinsulure has affirmed the need to embrace the use of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI), to bridge the gap in Nigeria’s Education System.
The educationist made the remarks during a one-day capacity building for students
under Education District VI, in collaboration with the American Corner, Ikeja.
Setting the pace for the event, Amanda Brown, Deputy Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Consulate General Lagos, gave an insight into the training.
“On behalf of the U.S Consulate General in Lagos, I want to start by acknowledging one of our 12,000 Vibrant U.S. Government exchange alumni, Adeola Akinsulure.
“She’s an alumnus of the Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement Programme.
“We are so proud that she has brought back new skills and has given them to her community to enhance the incredible work she’s been doing in the STEM and education sectors.
“I am excited to welcome all of you students, facilitators and everyone passionate about the future to this exciting program on Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (Al).
“It’s no secret that the world is changing, and Robotics and AI are at the forefront of that change.
“Today’s programme is designed to ignite your curiosity, spark your creativity and equip you with the knowledge and skills to become leaders in an ever-evolving world,” she added.
The event which had as its theme: “Ignite E.DVI 2024: Robotic and Artificial Intelligence” was well attended by selected students from different schools under Education District VI.
Mrs. Akinsulure, a Biology teacher at Omole Senior Grammar School and the convener, narrated what prompted her to stage the training.
“I came up with the programme after discovering that some international students that I teach use Robotic and Artificial Intelligence in their studies. This gap informed my decision to introduce something similar here in Nigeria to further enhance our education.”
According to the STEM Expert, technology is the way forward and all hands must be on deck to groom students that can compete globally.
The high point of the event was the practical knowledge ranging from Space Exploration to robotic programming, and understanding AI applications in sectors such as health, education and transportation amongst others.
The US consulate through American Corner also played a key role in the actualisation of the capacity-building
Speaking to journalists during the event, Adeniyi Ogunbanjo, Director of American Corner Ikeja, said the US Mission in Nigeria was very passionate about up-skilling younger Nigerians.
“We believe that exposing these students to robotic and Artificial Intelligence while they are still young is the way to go.
“The collaboration is one of the many ways the US Mission in Nigeria is giving back to the people and we will continue to do so,“ the Director echoed.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Omolara Oladejo, Human Resource Manager of Fantien Nigeria Limited, identified with the students.
“I want to urge you all to brace up and focus on the gains of the training.
“We all know that there are so many things that young people can do online to make legit money.
“I want to strongly appeal to you all to shun internet scams or fraud, but rather focus on the positive angles of Technology to aid your career,“ she stressed.
