In a move aimed at propelling Nigeria towards technological advancement, the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education (OSSAP-TVEE) has announced a nationwide initiative.

This program aims to equip 500,000 youths with the skills necessary to thrive in the burgeoning fields of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics Engineering.

The initiative kicked off with a donation of 50 laptops and industrial training course licenses to the Government Science and Technical College (GSTC) in Garki, Abuja.

This marks the first phase of a broader rollout intended to empower technical colleges and institutions across the country.

The 25 students selected from GSTC will undergo a rigorous six-month training program in either AI or Robotics Engineering.

 Messrs. De Lorenzo International, a global leader in technical education, generously donated the licenses and facilitated software installation on the laptops for a seamless learning experience.

 Ownership of the laptops will be transferred to the students upon completion of the program, further bolstering their entrepreneurial prospects.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Madam Abiola Arogundade, the SSAP-TVEE, emphasized the initiative’s alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”

 This agenda prioritizes promoting innovation in technical education to cultivate a highly skilled workforce. She highlighted the crucial role AI and Robotics play in propelling rapid industrialization by automating manufacturing processes, enhancing mobility, and ultimately boosting productivity.

Madam Arogundade emphasized the selection process, prioritizing institutions with existing foundations in Robotics and AI, like the Robotics Club at GSTC.

She expressed her hope that the program will empower graduates to become entrepreneurs in these burgeoning fields.

This initiative aligns with Nigeria’s aspiration to join the ranks of leading nations in Robotics and AI adoption, exemplified by trailblazers like Nigerian-born Silas Adekunle, a globally recognized Robotics Engineer.

The SSAP-TVEE is actively seeking partnerships to expand the program’s reach.

Messrs. De Lorenzo International expressed their enthusiasm for continued collaboration, furthering the goals of President Tinubu’s administration.

The Yaba College of Technology (Yaba-techs) in Lagos is slated to be the next recipient of this transformative initiative.

The Principal of GSTC expressed his gratitude for being selected as the first recipient institution. Student representatives also echoed these sentiments, expressing their appreciation to President Tinubu and the SSAP-TVEE for their commitment to empowering Nigerian youth.