One of the leading smartphone brands in Nigeria, Infinix, partnered with UNESCO to provide practical training in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics to over 30 UI students.

The workshop was held on Saturday, 16 November 2024, at the Infinix ICT Resource Centre, University of Ibadan. The initiative aimed to inspire young Nigerian innovators through the new CogLabs modules.

“We are thrilled to celebrate our partnership with this university and support the ICT Centre’s growth alongside UNESCO and our technical partners. Through this workshop, we bring new CogLabs modules in AI, robotics, and programming to empower Nigeria’s youth as tomorrow’s innovators,” Oluwayemisi Ode, PR Manager for Infinix Nigeria, said.

Dr Eugene Masinde, a trainer for UNESCO CogLabs, emphasised the workshop’s goal of making STEM education accessible. Joan Nadal, founder of E3BOT and Master Trainer for UNESCO CogLabs Workshops, added, “Our aim is to bring STEM education and robotics to everyone. Thank you, Infinix, for making this possible.”

Participants were trained in courses such as AI with Teachable Machines, coding with Scratch, and smartphone sensor testing. Dr Demola Lewis, representing the University of Ibadan, called the event “a dream come true” and praised Infinix for their commitment to AI training. “Anyone not aligned with AI will become irrelevant in the next decade,” he stated.

Community Manager Olumide revealed the workshop’s goal to train 30 participants, selecting 20 as peer trainers. These trainers received Infinix smartphones, branded items, cash stipends, and resources to continue training others.

Computer science student Ruth Tijani highlighted how the smartphones provided will enhance participants’ learning and productivity. “It’s one thing to have the knowledge and another to have the tools to apply it,” she said.

The top 20 participants were awarded certificates, Infinix smartphones, and branded gifts, enabling them to train others in their communities. This event reinforced Infinix Nigeria’s commitment to advancing STEM education and AI in Nigeria.