The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji has emphasised the need to expose children to emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, in the country’s quest for development.
He said this while welcoming students and teachers of Glisten International Academy, Abuja who visited him at the Ministry, on Thursday.
The Minister lauded the exploits of the school, including their invention of Mairabot Front-Line Robot and success at the international Robotics competition at Dallas USA, where they emerged as the best from Africa.
He said, “I am happy and excited with the arrangement by the school to catch them young.”
He pledged the Ministry’s support for creative works, especially in the emerging technologies, assuring that the Ministry would support the school’s robotic projects.
Earlier in her speech, the Chief Executive of Glisten International Academy, Dr. Samira Jibir said: “the Academy is a 21st Century Technology-driven school dedicated to raising nation builders who will be of value to themselves and the country.”
She appreciated the good relationship between the school and the Ministry, and requested the Ministry to assist in facilitating the commercialization of the Mairabot Front-Line Robot.
She also appealed for financial support from the Ministry in enhancing the capability of the Mairabot Robot, as they work to expand its functions.
She suggested that Artificial Intelligence be included in Nigeria school curriculum as a core subject.
In his speech, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr James Sule commended the academy on the invention of the robot for use in solving specific medical challenges, especially the fact that most of the components were sourced within the country.
He echoed the suggestion of Samira to include Artificial Intelligence in Nigeria school curriculum.
He said: “our Ministry will collaborate with the Ministry of Education and other experts within and outside the country to draw up a curriculum for Artificial Intelligence in our schools.”
The climax of the occasion was the introduction of the robot, including its functions by the students and their coaches.
This was followed by the demonstration using the prototype they brought.
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