U.S. pledges to promote technology training in Nigeria

…Trains 460 students, teachers in robotics
To boost technology education in Nigeria, the United States (US) Diplomatic Mission to Nigeria has commenced a robotic training for elementary, secondary, and university students and teachers, as well as robotics enthusiasts and scientists.

The weeklong training, which began yesterday at the American Corner, Co-Creation Hub (CCHUB), Yaba, Lagos, was organised in collaboration with RoboRave International, a US-based robotics education academy. The overall aim is to engage over 460 participants in hands-on robotics activities to stimulate their interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

US Consul General, John Bray, who spoke at the launch of the training, assured that the US Mission is in the country to support capacity building of students and teachers in technology, adding that the workshop will expose participants to prospects in technology education and how they can collaboratively create innovative solutions to shared global challenges.

According to him, “In a world that is becoming increasingly technology-driven, it is more important than ever before for our youths to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to become innovators, educators, researchers, and leaders who can solve the most pressing challenges facing our world, both today and tomorrow.

We are honored to support this initiative that promotes STEM in Nigeria.”

Also the Programme partner and Director RoboRAVE Nigeria, Mr. Kingsley Imade, explained that an international faculty would facilitate the training sessions, including RoboRAVE International Director of Global Programmes Russ Fisher-Ives, and RoboRAVE North America Director Brian Montoya.

He said the sessions focusing on robotics designs and programming would provide a platform for teachers to learn how to implement the STEM approach in the educational process via practical scientific activities, throughout the training days.

He also explained that the training would also be held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Complex, Abeokuta, Ogun State from Thursday, October 26 to Saturday 28, 2017.  100 robots will be donated to participating schools in Lagos and Ogun states after the training. This he explained is expected to provide the students and their teachers with an opportunity to put their skills to use following the completion of the training.