The Government of Oyo State in partnership with the Advocacy Unit of MEDIA AND DIGITAL SKILLS CENTRE, NIGERIA will commence a pilot training programme on CODING, ROBOTICS, ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND DRONE TECHNOLOGY for 3 Public Secondary Schools in the state on the 9th May 2022.
The training programme is coming on the heels of the need to bridge the yawning gap in the education sector and launch the students into real practical skills that will engage them positively and equip them for tomorrow in high tech Digital Skills.
In his presentation during a meeting with the Honourable Commissioner of Education, Science and Technology, Hon Rahman Abiodun Abdulraheem. the Founder of the Centre, Engr. (Dr.) Ajibola Abiola, a former Director in the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, lamented the rate of crime and delinquent behaviours among the youth today and attributed it to the educational structure that has not adequately engaged the young ones in creative and innovative skills which consequently made them go into negative vices, as the devil will naturally find work for idle hands.
He posited that until knowledge is supported with real practical applicable solutions, the impact of such education will not be seriously felt let alone solve critical problems in the society.
He canvassed for dynamism in the development of educational curriculum to blend with the changes in the world generally adding that the advent of Digital Electronics has brought about a lot of changes in the Technological space with Robotics, Artificial Intelligence and Drone Technology featuring more prominently as a catalyst for the new industrial revolution that is already here with us.
After his speech, a physical show of what the Centre stands to offer the students was demonstrated to the applause of the Commissioner, The Permanent Secretary and the Ministry Directors.
In his response, the Hon Commissioner thanked the Founder of the Centre for the worthy initiative stating that the Oyo State Government was ready to immediately grant the request of the Centre for 3 secondary schools to pilot the programme.
He was optimistic that the practical skills will be of tremendous benefit to the students adding that the position of the Government will be determined by the response and acceptability of the programme in the schools.
The names of the approved schools are:
- Bishop Phillips Academy, Iwo Road
- A.C Grammar School, Aperin
- St Anne’s School, Molete.
The programme will take off on the 9th of May 2022 in the various schools.
