Yobe State University trains 80 scholars on AI – Official 

Yobe State University trains 80 scholars on AI – Official 

No fewer than 80 scholars benefited from a comprehensive training on Artificial intelligence (AI), by Biological Science Research Centre (BioRTC) of Yobe State University.

Dr Ali Maina, a UK-based AI expert and Deputy Director of ICT at BioRTC, who made this known on Thursday in Damaturu, said participants were drawn from Academic and None-Academic institutions nationwide.

Maina said that the centre initially targeted 50 participants but expanded the intake following a surge in interest from individuals of diverse backgrounds.

“This is the third edition of our AI workshop and the fifth in our summer school series.

“We initially planned for 50 participants, but due to overwhelming interest, the number grew to nearly 80.

“The participants come from academia, entrepreneurship, and the public sector,” he said.

Maina said BioRTC was committed to building a tech-driven workforce in Yobe and beyond.

“As a centre hosted by Yobe State University, our first obligation is to serve the university community, followed by the state at large.

“However, this year’s cohort includes participants from outside Yobe, including academics and professionals from Abuja, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, and Gombe State University,” he said.

He said that despite age and prior exposure, the participants were showing a strong appetite to learn.

Maina further said that the training would not end with the workshop.

“We have established support systems, including WhatsApp groups and remote mentorship platforms.

“Our goal is to empower participants to develop AI-powered solutions.

“We hope that by next year, they will have produced practical results and graduated to higher levels,” he said.

Maina added that the BioRTC was exploring ways to institutionalise monthly virtual sessions to scale up the reach and impact of the initiative.

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Dr Umar Adam of the Department of Human Physiology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, who spoke on the impact of the training, described the experience as transformative.

“Although I have been using AI tools, I realise now that I was not using them effectively.

“This workshop has opened my eyes to the right ways to utilise AI, both for my work and for guiding my students,” he said.

Adam also said he has benefited immensely from the training, adding that it had also aided him in drafting a grant proposal.

“No amount of money can’t quantify what we have gained here. This is a priceless opportunity,” he said.