From Ajiri Daniels, Abuja
Worried by the decreasing interest and underrepresentation of young people, particularly young girls in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), has launched a training programme for Nigerian teachers and students in the use of artificial intelligence and robotics.
The two-day training, conducted in collaboration with Infinix Nigeria and Google, kicked off on Wednesday at the United Nations office in Abuja.
Head of UNESCO Office in Abuja, Abdourahamane Diallo, while addressing participants at the training, highlighted the need for promoting foundational AI knowledge and skills at all levels, adding that it is fundamental to building a country’s capacity in Science, Technology and Innovation.
He further noted that the STEM programme would help developing countries build a critical mass of scientists, researchers, and engineers necessary to address urgent environmental and health challenges, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals.
“As essential as Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics are, it has been observed that most countries in sub-Saharan Africa lack adequate teaching tools, have weak courses and curricula in basic computer sciences, and lack well-equipped laboratories.
“Where laboratories are available, they are often unused due to lack of power supply and trained teachers. Artificial intelligence, along with other advancing technologies like robotics and cloud computing, can be applied for effective STEM training.
“The present training for Nigeria is one of UNESCO’s capacity-strengthening efforts, and INFINIX is supporting this training alongside Google. I understand that this is the part one of the training, and we will have the second part which will incorporate 3D printing,” Diallo said.
In her remarks, the Public Relations Manager for Infinix Nigeria, Oluwayemisi Ode, expressed optimism that the project will ignite curiosity and creativity in Nigeria’s youths through hands-on experiences in robotics, machine learning, and AI-powered applications, fields that are defining the future workforce.
She reaffirmed Infinix’s commitment to ensuring that Nigerian youths possess the digital skills required to succeed in a competitive global market.
She said, “We believe that by nurturing skills in robotics and artificial intelligence, we are investing in a more resilient, innovative, and self-sustaining Nigeria.
“Our commitment to Nigeria goes beyond our devices; it includes ensuring that youth possess the digital skills required to succeed in a competitive global market.
“We are thrilled to provide students with experiences in machine learning, robotics, and AI-based applications, under the guidance of some of the best minds in the industry. This journey starts here but will expand nationwide, empowering youth in cities, towns, and rural areas alike.”
Also speaking, the Director of Technology and Science Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs Muyibat Olodo, emphasized that STEM’s role has become critical in global development, and Africa must keep pace with this trend.
Olodo, who was represented by her deputy director, Dr Stella Uhuegbu, expressed confidence that the workshop would equip teachers and students with up-to-date STEM skills for learning and exploring complex ecosystems.
“As a developing nation, we must develop a strategy to harness all the technological potential of our youth if we are to grow technologically and meet global best practices in an ever-evolving world.
“Let me remind you that, as teachers, you play a crucial role in shaping the minds of our future generations. Your dedication and passion for teaching are vital in inspiring students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, which form the bedrock of sustainable development.”