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Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) has received a major boost in its drive to become a leading centre for artificial intelligence and digital innovation following the donation of a high-performance Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) Server worth 20,000 US dollars by the Chief Executive Officer of MOC-AI International, Dr. Mfon Okpok, a Nigerian based United States of America.
The donation was made at the opening ceremony of the NBTE-NCCE-MOC AI/Machine Learning International Conference and Seminar for South West polytechnics and colleges of education hosted by the institution in Lagos.
Presenting the equipment, Dr. Okpok said the donation was aimed at strengthening AI research, innovation and practical training in Nigerian tertiary institutions, beginning with YABATECH, which he described as a strategic partner in advancing technology-driven education.
It is to fulfill my promise to my late father while growing up and passion for technical education, he stated.
According to him, access to modern computing infrastructure is critical to developing local capacity in artificial intelligence, machine learning and data science, adding that the server would provide lecturers, researchers and students with the computing power required to undertake advanced AI projects.
He as well donated same server at same cost each to two colleges of education in the South West zone of the country.
Receiving the donation on behalf of the college, the Rector of YABATECH, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, described the gesture as a landmark investment in the future of technical education in Nigeria.
Abdul said the server would significantly enhance the institution’s capacity to deliver cutting-edge training, support research activities and position the College as a regional hub for artificial intelligence education and innovation.
He expressed appreciation to MOC-AI International for partnering with YABATECH in promoting digital transformation, assuring that the equipment would be effectively deployed to support teaching, learning, research and skills development.
The rector noted that the donation aligns with the College’s strategic vision of producing graduates equipped with emerging digital competencies required in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The event also featured the opening of the NBTE-NCCE-MOC AI/Machine Learning International Conference, where stakeholders from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), polytechnics and colleges of education across the South West called on lecturers to embrace artificial intelligence and continuously upgrade their digital skills.
Representatives of both regulatory agencies described AI as an indispensable tool for transforming teaching, learning and research, urging academics to become innovators capable of developing homegrown technological solutions for national development.
No fewer than 54 staff of YABTAECH, who are among other participants at the conference commended MOC-AI International for the donation, describing it as a practical demonstration of private sector commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s technological and educational ecosystem.
The conference witnessed intensive hands-on training sessions in artificial intelligence, machine learning and emerging digital technologies for lecturers and researchers from tertiary institutions across the South West.
