EDTF INTRODUCED ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) FOR MENTORS
The EDTF in collaboration with Odyssey Education Foundation, has conducted a one day artificial intelligence (AI) training programme in classrooms for ICT mentors with the aim of providing quality and improved education in the state.
Speaking during the training programme at the Ernest Ikoli NUJ Press Centre, Ekeki, in Yenagoa, Dr. (Mrs.) Alice Atuwo said the Artificial Intelligence Programme was introduced to the School System with the view to help humans perform some critical tasks as well as to proffer solutions to problems. According to her, the AI was also noted for the transformation of industries, the economy, as well as society. She expressed optimism that, the AI Programme, will give the students the opportunity to improve themselves in acquiring the needed knowledge to solve problems in society. Dr. Atuwo further applauded the mentors in the various Model Secondary Schools to take advantage of the training to ensure that the knowledge acquired through the training should be imparted to their students.
In his remark, the Commissioner of Education Dr. Gentle Emelah expressed appreciation and commended the Executive Secretary as well as the EDTF team for the noble gestures towards introducing artificial intelligence (AI) in the school system as part of deliberate efforts toward improving the development and standard of education in Bayelsa State. According to him, artificial intelligence (AI) was a new dawn revolution in the world that should be given priority in the educational sector to acquire the desired knowledge in offering solutions to problems and the transformation of society. The Education Commissioner also urged the mentors in the schools to take the AI training seriously to enable them to impart such knowledge to the students to better themselves and society. Dr. Emelah used the opportunity to commend the Odyssey Education Foundation for partnering with the EDTF in providing services towards the development of education in Bayelsa State.
Also speaking, the Acting Chairman, EDTF, Professor Francis Sikoki, said EDTF, as an interventionist agency, was saddled with the responsibility to provide cure as well as preventive measures in the development of education in the State. According to him, the introduction of AI and other related technological programmes in the education system was aimed at enabling students to acquire the relevant knowledge to foster societal development. He also called on the beneficiaries of the AI Programme particularly the mentors, to take the training seriously and impart the knowledge towards advancing artificial intelligence in the various schools.
Also contributing, the Chairman, Science and Technical Education Board (STEB) Professor Ayebaemi Spiff, also appreciated the EDTF for their foresightedness in sponsoring the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) in the system. She urged the beneficiaries to take advantage of the programme and make effective use of the knowledge gained to attract technological innovations in the educational sector to better themselves and the society at large.