The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has urged parents to encourage their children to leverage Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education to achieve their dreams.
The Minister stated this when he received the team of Glisten International Academy Abuja in his office for the presentation of their health aid Robot, Mairabot.
Mairabot, a cutting-edge technology and highly intelligent robot, was developed and invented by students of Glisten International Academy Abuja to interface between healthcare workers and Covid-19 patients to reduce the rising death rate of frontline personnel. It uses a live camera and a laptop to perform tasks such as taking temperatures, administering drugs, and interacting with patients.
It was a wonderful opportunity to recognize Glisten International Academy’s dedication to Artificial Intelligence and the impressive invention of Mairabot.
Witnessing the global recognition in robotic competitions underscores the significance of prioritizing STEM education for… https://t.co/6xslKBSb4h pic.twitter.com/ie0MFxUbHB
— Uche Geoffrey Nnaji (@U_GeoffreyNnaji) November 30, 2023
The Minister, who noted that education is a legacy that should be bequeathed to our children for future benefits, added that only when young Nigerians are engaged in the technological ecosystem there will be a Nigeria full of job opportunities in the near future.
“Our focus in this ministry has been on how to create job. Glisten International Academy is doing a great job catching them young. It is always important to catch them young and you are doing a great work starting at this stage,” he said.
While commending the school for giving Nigeria a presence on the world map via their achievements in the various global technology-related competitions, the Minister also pledged the Ministry’s continuous support.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Innovation Science and Technology, James Sule, while commending the school for the outstanding innovation that seeks to move the nation forward, harped on the significance of education in the lives of individuals.
“Wherever there is a legacy of education, it will help develop talents, abilities, skills and knowledge acquisitions. It helps our youths to take up opportunities to better realize. It helps to set the foundation for success.” Sule said.
The Chief Executive Officer of Glisten International Academy Dr Samira Jibir said that in terms of visibility, the school has been representing Nigeria in national and international tournaments and competitions.
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“Only four African countries qualified for the world championship in Dallas. But we topped the list and we have been given the mandate to not only organize, but to also see that vex robotics goes on in Africa,” Jabir said.
She pleaded for the technical support and collaboration in order to take it to the wider level in Nigeria.
Dr Jibir added that the robot that was developed by the students of the school during the COVID 19 pandemic named Mairabot has been going through updates after the support of the Ministry at the time, and further plead for more fund in order to come up with better version of it that could be commercialized.
The CEO urged the Nigerian government to include robotic studies in the curriculum of schools in Nigeria in order not to be left behind in the world of technological advancement.
