In an exciting development for the future of Nigeria’s youth and digital education, 30 students from the University of Ibadan have recently undergone a first-of-its-kind Artificial Intelligence (AI) training. This innovative program, powered by Infinix and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), aims to equip young Nigerians with essential AI and tech skills, empowering them to become peer trainers and share their knowledge with others in their communities.
Held at the Infinix ICT Resource Centre, the training marks a significant step in making STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) more accessible, especially in emerging tech fields like AI and robotics. The initiative is part of UNESCO’s global efforts to democratize access to cutting-edge tech education and ensure that young people, especially in Africa, are well-prepared for the digital future.
A Step Towards Empowering the Next Generation of Tech Leaders
This training program is not just about learning; it’s about empowering students to lead. The 30 students who participated in the program will be trained to become peer trainers themselves, with the goal of spreading knowledge and skills within their communities. This initiative is aimed at building a network of young AI advocates who can facilitate similar training for other young people across Nigeria.
In her opening address, Oluwayemisi Ode, PR Manager for Infinix Nigeria, highlighted the importance of such initiatives in shaping Nigeria’s youth into the tech innovators of tomorrow. She noted that the AI training aligns with Infinix’s mission to provide young Nigerians with the skills and tools necessary to succeed in today’s digital-first world.
“Through this collaboration with UNESCO, we’re not just empowering students with knowledge, we’re equipping them with the ability to create, innovate, and lead. This is part of our larger vision to cultivate an inclusive and digitally proficient future for Nigeria,” said Ode.
The AI Training Curriculum: A Deep Dive into Emerging Technologies
The training covered a range of topics in AI, coding, and robotics, ensuring that the students received both theoretical knowledge and hands-on, practical experience. Some of the key modules included:
- Introduction to AI with Teachable Machine
- Introduction to Coding with Scratch
- Introduction to Coding with CogLabs
- Creating Machine Learning Models
- Games with Scratch
- Testing Smartphone Sensors
- Setting up E3bot and a Robotics Challenge
The program also included training on robotics, where the students were challenged to apply their new skills to real-world problems. The top 20 students will receive certification as CogLabs Trainers, further enabling them to share their knowledge and lead future AI training sessions in their communities.
Empowering Trainers with Resources and Support
As part of the initiative, the selected trainers will be granted unfettered access to the Infinix ICT Resource Centre to continue their work. Infinix has also provided them with essential resources such as robots, Infinix smartphones, and cash stipends, ensuring that these young trainers have the tools they need to succeed.
Additionally, the students were given branded materials—T-shirts, bags, and promotional items—designed to help them promote their training programs and build awareness within their local networks. This holistic support system ensures that the students are not only learning but are well-equipped to train others and create a ripple effect of knowledge sharing across Nigeria.
The Importance of AI in Today’s Education System
The Dean of Students Affairs at the University of Ibadan, represented by Dr. Demola Lewis, Head of the Department of Linguistics, emphasized the need for AI and digital literacy to be integrated into Nigeria’s educational system. According to Dr. Lewis, while students receive quality conventional education, it’s crucial that they are also equipped with the digital skills needed to thrive in today’s world.
He pointed out that in a world increasingly driven by AI, education without AI is incomplete. Students who do not have a strong foundation in these emerging technologies risk being left behind in the competitive global job market.
“This partnership with Infinix and UNESCO is a game-changer for our students. AI is no longer a luxury or an optional skill; it is a necessity. With this training, our students will not only be equipped to innovate in their respective careers but will also have the opportunity to shape the future of technology in Nigeria,” Dr. Lewis added.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Nigeria’s Youth
The Infinix/UNESCO AI Training program is just the beginning. By focusing on capacity building and enabling students to take leadership roles in tech, the initiative is setting the stage for a more digitally inclusive Nigeria. With AI playing an ever-greater role in industries ranging from healthcare to finance to agriculture, having a digitally literate and tech-savvy workforce is essential for the country’s future.
This collaboration is also a great example of private-public partnerships, where tech companies like Infinix work alongside global organizations like UNESCO to bring world-class education to Nigerian youth. As the country continues to push for digitally empowered leaders in every field, programs like this AI training will be instrumental in closing the tech skills gap and setting the foundation for a new generation of tech innovators.
Infinix and UNESCO’s vision for a digitally empowered Nigeria is now a step closer to reality. With the University of Ibadan students as the new wave of peer trainers, we can look forward to a more inclusive and tech-savvy future for all Nigerians.
Stay tuned as we continue to track the progress of this exciting initiative and other opportunities to empower Nigeria’s youth through technology!