Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, flagged off an 18-day Artificial Intelligence (AI) training Workshop to train two million people in the University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (UAES), Umuagwo.
In his speech during the flagging off of the Workshop, the Governor explained that the initiative aims to promote the inclusion of AI in the curriculum of schools in the state. Uzodimma stressed the importance of AI in economic growth, political development, and digital literacy.
“As we embark on this AI training today, I urge all participants to be attentive throughout the duration. AI is critical to economic growth, political development, and will improve digital literacy.
“I want to appeal that at the end of this Workshop, AI should be made a part of our curriculum. Integrate every part of AI in curriculum and programmes. We’ve seen the importance from food production, consumption; AI has what it takes to make it better.” The Governor said.
David Boison, the project coordinator, emphasized the importance of the training themed “Train the Trainers.”.. He explained that the training aims to empower imo citizens with the skills and the knowledge to leverage artificial intelligence effectively.
Read Also: Imo state Partners with UC Berkeley to Launch Imo Talent Hub
The Pro Chancellor of UAES, Professor Nelson Alino, emphasized the importance of AI in key aspects of society, ranging from productivity to education and governance. The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Christopher Eze, lauded the development as a significant step in the administration’s goal to position Imo State as the country’s leading force in artificial intelligence.
Eze noted that an additional benefit of the Workshop includes grooming an AI-literate and skilled populace in Imo state, engaging young Nigerians, and deepening the tech ecosystem in the state.
What to Know
- Earlier in the week, the Imo state government partnered with UC Berkeley to launch Imo Talent Hub. The hub was created to create a structural framework for homegrown tech talents in the state and find them paid employment in the global tech scene.
- The Imo Talent Hub, a sister Skill Up Imo initiative project, aims to raise 100,000 tech talents in paid employment for top tech brands by 2026.
- Imo State is home to about six tertiary institutions, boasting one of the highest literacy rates in the country. The state’s high population of young people makes it a perfect choice for progressive initiatives.
