The Bayelsa State Education Development Trust Fund (EDTF) has launched the Bayelsa Robotics Challenge 2024 as part of efforts towards building higher technological base in solving problems through Education. Speaking during the flag-off ceremony at the NUJ Press Center, Ekeki in Yenagoa, the Executive Secretary, EDTF, Dr. (Mrs.) Alice Atuwo said, the programme was aimed at improving the creative and innovative skills of students and to acquire abstract knowledge and realities to better themselves and the society. Dr. Atuwo Further stated that, the introduction of Robotics in the schools was to enable students acquire the pre-requisite skills in building robots towards solving problems including climate change through scientific innovation. She urged the participant of the project to see themselves as potential future engineers, pilots, and appealed to them to take the project seriously to better themselves and the society.

Also speaking, the Acting Chairman of EDTF, Professor Francis Sikoki expressed excitement and commended Odyssey Educational Foundation, the facilitators for providing expertise for the students. Prof. Sikoki noted that, the focus of EDTF Intervention programmes were relatively based on the emphasis of Science and Technology which involves Information and Communication Technology, Technovation and the Robotic/Coding programmes. According to him, the core mission of EDTF was to contribute to the establishment of functional, sustainable and competitive educational system in Bayelsa State. He further stated that, during the colonial era, the emphasis on education was reading, writing and arithmetic but, after independence there was some adjustment leading to the shift to contemporary disciplines such as Engineering, Medicine, and Agriculture among others. Professor Sikoki also explained that, as a digital world, the significance of the programme especially the Robotic and Coding components helps students to develop digital skills and interact with practical technology in solving environmental problems adding that, it will eliminate dangerous jobs from humans as well as automate dubious and time-consuming task and free humans to focus on critical thinking by devoting more time on productive ventures. He highlighted three key areas of interventions by the EDTF to include, the provision of Computer Laboratories, Technovation, Robotics and Coding programmes in the Model Secondary Schools, the equipping of functional Science Laboratories in the Rural Secondary Schools as well as the Tertiary Education Research Project which are aimed at solving problems of the locality. The Acting chairman, Professor SikokI congratulated the participants and urged them to take full advantage of the opportunity provided through the programme to achieve productive results.

In his remarks the Chairman, House Committee on Education, Dr. Charles Daniel expressed satisfaction and commended the Hon. Commissioner for Education, the EDTF for initiating the laudable project despite paucity of funds. According to him, the world is moving from ICT to Artificial intelligence, which should be prioritized through robotic as a means of catapulting students to higher level of Technology development. The lawmaker challenged the beneficiaries to see themselves as privileged few selected among the several schools and should make best use of the opportunity given to them. He equally enjoined the mentors to improve on their knowledge through the programme, so that, the State can conveniently compete in the comity of States in Nigeria and the global space.

In his remarks, the Commissioner of Education, Dr. Gentle Emelah expressed delight and appreciation to the EDTF for initiating programmes that have had significant impacts in the Education sector of the State. Dr. Emelah said, Technovation, Robotics and coding are vital programmes that will aid and assist students to acquire more sophisticated skills in research Technology and innovation in many aspects of Education. According to him, the Government and Educational stakeholders are working tirelessly to ensure Bayelsa State comes top in terms of providing sustainable education to its citizens. He commended Governor Douye Diri for the careful selection of members of the Board and expressed confidence that they will deliver on their mandate. The Education Commissioner urged the student to see themselves as privileged and not to abuse the opportunity given to them by the EDTF.

Also speaking, the coordinator, Odyssey Educational Foundation, Mrs. Stella Uzochukwu said, the programme was basically to harness the power of technology and innovation to address challenges confronting communities and their environments. According to Uzochukwu, the 60 days training would empower the youths to acknowledge issues associated with climate change and environmental problems as well as proffering solutions. She appealed for all hands must be on deck to ignite the collaboration and expressed confidence that, with the collective dedication of all, the programme will be a success and unlock the potential which in turn will attract more opportunities for growth, progress, and prosperity through the transformation realm of Robotics.