‘Why training in AI, Programming will enhance economic growth’

Experts have stressed on technology trainings, especially Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Programming to drive economic growth in Nigeria.
  
Speaking at the Softcom-hosted AI and Python programming Masterclass for computer science teachers, experts said it is aimed at equipping teachers with the requisite skills to transfer to their students, noting that training the trainers has been an effective tool with a positive ripple effect on students.
    
Chief Solutions Officer, Softcom Limited, Seindemi Olobayo, said education can drive change in Nigeria, adding that research around basic education and the possibilities of broad access will be looked into. “We also have the Teachers’ Learning Network where we systematically up-skill teachers. Softcom has distributed the recently launched AI textbooks for primary and secondary to 250 schools in Lagos,” he added.
   
Technical Delivery Lead, Data Science Nigeria, Olalekan Akinsande, stressed their commitment to building one million AI talents in 10 years from Nigeria, and the Masterclass is one the platforms to realise this vision.
   
During the Masterclass, participants were taken through the impact and use cases of AI, alternative channels to learn Python using devices aside laptops, deep dive into Python programming and introduction to Machine Learning and Deep Learning.
   
One of the trainees, a private educator, Okoedoh Abraham, said being able to access Python for free is of advantage to low income countries like Nigeria, and would like to implement data science and AI curriculum in schools he partnered with.

With Nigeria’s population rapidly growing year after year, it is necessary for education to scale at a similar pace. The solutions highlighted include ‘Koya for Schools’, which provides stakeholders in the teaching and learning process with tools to ensure they can effectively learn, document, track, interact and share educational materials seamlessly; and ‘Koya for Open learning’, designed to equip individuals with skills they need to thrive in the corporate world, and solve societal challenges.