Equip Yourself In Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics Expert Urges Youths

Young people in Nigeria are being challenged to educate themselves in the field of robotics and artificial intelligence by Dr Olusola Ayoola, founder of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Nigeria (RAIN).

In an interview in Ibadan on Wednesday, Ayoola made the argument that while robotics might eliminate some employment, it would also generate additional positions for others.

He also urged young people to continue honing their robotics skills because of its relevance to the future and practical applications.

“There were days when the typewriter was the order of the day and later computers came on board and some people lost their jobs, because of lack of competency and skills, while more jobs were created for those that know how to photocopy, how to print and do graphics.

“It’s only a matter of time, gradually the youth will realise that it’s time to start learning robotics skills because that is the way the world is going.

“Many companies now operate transformation office, because everybody is looking at how they can automate their processes; nobody wants to continue the manual way.

"The robot will not take away the jobs of youths that are dynamic,” he said.

Ayoola claimed that robotics and artificial intelligence have improved service delivery in the educational system in a number of ways, including the marking of exam scripts, the prevention of cheating, the use of virtual classrooms, and distant learning.

“There is now an aspect of AI called Natural Language processing that allows the Computer to understand what a particular student is trying to say in his or her paper.

“In abroad, robots are being used to help children who are hospitalised to be in the classroom, to feel the classroom environment, using so many other gadgets that robots allow.

“So, we are getting to the point where robots can actually represent those who have not really had opportunities of being in the classrooms,” the expert said.

The National Centre for AI and Robotics was established with praise from Ayoola for the government.

He asked the government to support young people by giving them access to tools like high-quality computers for coding and reasonably priced robotics parts.

Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Nigeria (RAIN), according to Ayoola, was founded three years ago with the goal of upskilling Nigerian adolescents and anyone above the age of 15 who has completed high school for a one-year programme.

In order to inspire and develop young people in the fields of robotics and artificial intelligence, he continued, RAIN has some level of research connections with government, academic institutions, and had had visits from the Canadian Embassy and the United Nations.

He claims that RAIN has completed numerous projects with a number of success stories, commendations, and prizes from organisations like First Bank and others.