In a strategic initiative to empower educators in the digital age, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has partnered with smartphone brand, Infinix, to launch an artificial intelligence (AI)and robotics training programme for teachers across Nigeria.
Infinix has pledged significant resources to the initiative, providing state-of-the-art devices and technical support to ensure educators can practise on reliable and modern technology.
Speaking during the training in Abuja, UNESCO’s Representative in Nigeria, Abdourahamane Diallo, stressed the importance of advancing technologies such as AI, robotics, and cloud computing.
He explained that the collaboration was part of a broader effort to bring cutting-edge technologies into classrooms, thereby enhancing educational outcomes and preparing students for a future shaped by AI and automation.
His words: “It is well known that capacity in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) is a key element for economic and social development, and for achieving not just the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), but also the National Development Agenda.
“On the other hand, promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education at all educational levels, is a fundamental requirement to building a country’s capacity in STI.”
In her remarks, the Public Relations Manager for Infinix Nigeria, Oluwayemisi Ode, said “The project aims to 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.”
Also speaking, Secretary General of the National Commission for UNESCO (NATCOM-UNESCO), Olagunju Idowu, represented by the Secretary of the National Science Sector, Frances Ezejiofor, observed the potential of AI in robotics to improve lives through autonomous smart machines capable of assisting or replacing humans in repetitive, physically demanding, or hazardous tasks.
