Mohammed Shosanya

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO),has launched a specialized training programme focused on artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics engineering.

The initiative, held at the UN office in Abuja, is a collaborative effort with tech giants Infinix Nigeria and Google, designed to empower both teachers and students with essential digital competencies.

The two-day training programme is to help deepen participants’ understanding of AI and robotics, which have become crucial fields in global technological advancement.

It brought together teachers and students from various institutions who learned about practical applications of AI in education and how to use robotics engineering to solve real-world problems.

Speaking to participants,UNESCO’s, Mr Abdourahamane Diallo, stressed the need to advance Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education across all levels, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.

He emphasized that strengthening STEM programs is crucial for developing countries to cultivate a skilled workforce of scientists, researchers, and engineers capable of tackling pressing environmental and health issues, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

According to him, “Despite the significance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics,” he noted that, “many countries in sub-Saharan Africa face challenges in this area. They lack adequate teaching tools, have underdeveloped courses and curricula in fundamental computer sciences, and do not possess well-equipped laboratories.

“Despite the availability of laboratories in some locations, they remain unused due to a lack of electricity and adequately trained teachers. Emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and cloud computing, hold significant potential for enhancing STEM education and making it more accessible and effective.

“This current training initiative for Nigeria exemplifies UNESCO’s commitment to capacity building, with support from INFINIX and Google. I understand this is the first phase of the program, with a second phase planned to incorporate advanced technologies like 3D printing to further enrich STEM training in the country.”

Mrs Oluwayemisi Ode, Public Relations Manager for Infinix Nigeria, expressed the company’s goal for its latest two-day project, which is designed to spark the curiosity and creativity of Nigerian youth through hands-on experiences in robotics and AI-powered applications.

She said, “These are the kinds of innovations shaping the future workforce across the globe,” Ode explained. “We believe that by nurturing skills in robotics and artificial intelligence, we’re investing in a more resilient, innovative, and self-sustaining Nigeria.

“Our commitment to Nigeria extends beyond our devices. We are dedicated to equipping young people with the digital skills they need to succeed in an increasingly competitive global market.”

“We are excited to offer students hands-on experiences in machine learning, robotics, and AI applications, guided by some of the brightest experts in the industry.

“This is only the beginning, our journey will extend nationwide, empowering young people in cities, towns, and rural areas alike,” said Dr. Olagunju Idowu, Secretary General of the UNESCO National Commission in Nigeria, as he praised the initiative earlier in his speech.

“In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic notably accelerated the adoption of artificial intelligence, especially in fields like telemedicine and remote work. Today, we see AI’s transformative impact across various sectors, schools now have smart classrooms equipped with computers to support students even in a teacher’s absence. In hospitals, banks, and the entertainment industry, the role of AI is growing rapidly and cannot be overstated.

“As we consider these advancements, it’s clear that artificial intelligence and robotics are remarkable innovations gifted to us by technology’s pioneers. I urge the younger generation to recognize the significance of AI and explore its applications in robotics, shaping a future enriched by these tools,” he emphasized.

The Director of Technology and Science Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs. Muyibat Olodo, stressed the crucial role of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) in driving global progress, stressing that Africa must not lag in this trend.

Speaking through her deputy director, Dr. Stella Uhuegbu, Mrs. Olodo expressed confidence that the workshop would equip teachers and students with the latest STEM skills essential for navigating the complex ecosystem of modern learning.

“As a developing nation,we must craft a robust strategy to harness the technological potential of our youth if we are to advance and meet global standards in an ever-evolving world,” she said.

Mrs. Olodo also emphasized the important role teachers play in shaping the minds of future generations, noting that their commitment and passion are pivotal in inspiring students to pursue STEM careers.

“STEM forms the bedrock of sustainable development, and your influence as teachers is vital in guiding students toward careers in these fields,” she added.

Mr. Idowu, represented by Frances Ezejiofor, Secretary of the Nature and Science Sector, underscored the importance of the training, emphasizing its relevance in light of the increasing role artificial intelligence (AI) plays in everyday life.

He stated, “It is crucial to recognize that AI has become an integral part of our daily routines, whether it’s through personalized recommendations on online platforms or voice assistants that help simplify tasks.”

     Mohammed Shosanya

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr Nyesom Wike, has debunked allegations that the construction of homes for judges in Abuja is aimed at influencing the judiciary.

He clarified that the housing project is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s welfare initiative for the judiciary, aiming to bolster its independence rather than compromise it.

Wike explained that the project is a key provision in the 2024 federal budget, with Tinubu’s administration recognizing the need for judges to have secure, government-owned residences as a measure against potential manipulation.

According to Wike,the initiative was designed to move judges out of rented accommodations in areas vulnerable to security concerns.

“President Tinubu asked, ‘Where are the judges living?’ He emphasized that judges without stable homes could be subject to undue political pressure. To ensure judicial independence, he mandated the construction of housing for them,” Wike stated. “I’m simply implementing what Mr. President and the Federal Executive Council have approved and what the National Assembly has budgeted.”

In a media briefing on Wednesday,Wike emphasized that, as a minister, he is executing a policy that was legislated and approved at the federal level, adding, “I’m not the President. This is his vision to support the judiciary’s independence.”

Reflecting on his past as Rivers State governor, where he also supported judicial housing, Wike questioned why the project should be criticized instead of commended, especially by members of the legal profession.

He argued that similar welfare measures have proven effective in securing judicial independence and should be seen as a positive step.

      Mohammed Shosanya

The National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Comrade Tajudeen Ibikunle Baruwa,has faulted the inauguration of Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya, known as MC Oloumo as the new President of the union.

Baruwa, in a statement by his lawyer, Mr Tolu Babaleye, said the inauguration of MC Oluomo as the National President of NURTW was without recourse to the judgment of both the National Industrial Court and Appeal Court that affirmed Baruwa as the leader of the transport union.

Besides,Baruwa, through his lawyer,said the inauguration of MC Oluomo as a factional President of NURTW was without recourse to the constitution of the union that guarantees the tenure of the offices of the leadership.

He added: “From all indications, it appears that a faction sat and decided on its own, having no recourse to the constitution of the union, or to the decision and judgments of the courts and decided to select an individual at random as the President of the Union.”

He said Baruwa was sworn in as the President of NURTW in accordance with the constitution of the union in August 2023 for 4 years and a faction of the union led by a former President, Alh. Najeem Usman Yasin, dissatisfied with the results of the election of the union, decided to formulate a caretaker committee to run the union.

According to him, Baruwa, being a law-abiding citizen,rather than resort to violence, chose to go to court to reaffirm the validity and legality of his Presidency and condemned the illegal committee formed by the faction.

He said a suit was instituted at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria and judgment was delivered in Baruwa”s favour on the 11th of March 2024 by Hon. Justice O.O. Oyewumi, dissolving the illegal Caretaker Committee and restraint Yasin faction..

Being displeased with the judgment of the court, he said an appeal was entered at the Court of Appeal Abuja by the faction led by Yasin where he sought to overturn the decision of the trial court.

He said the Court of Appeal, on November 8, 2024, dismissed the appeal of Yasin and affirmed the judgment of the National Industrial Court, barring Yasin and anyone claiming through him like MC Oluomo from interfering in the day-to-day running of the union as led by Baruwa.

Despite the court verdict,he said:”To our utmost surprise however, even before this decision of the honourable court could be celebrated by the victorious party, the news of the inauguration of MC Oluomo as the National President of the Union was announced in flagrant disobedience and disregard of the decision of the court despite being aware that the tenure of Comrade Baruwa Tajudeen Ibikunle is still subsisting and running as confirmed by the judgments of the National Industrial Court and Court of Appeal concurring.

“We therefore unequivocally state that Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Aka Mc Oluomo is not and cannot be the National President of the Union, and therefore urge that all news stations or platforms parading him as such be disregarded in its entirety.

“We further state that the only legally recognized National President of the Union is Comrade Tajudeen Baruwa Ibikunle, and this position has been confirmed by the court. The Attorney General of the Federation should not standby and allow the judiciary to be rubbished this way.”

     Mohammed Shosanya

The governor of Oyo state, Seyi Makinde, has presented a total sum of ₦678.06 billion (N678, 068 767 332.18) to the Oyo state House of Assembly for legislative consideration and approval for 2025 budget.

While capital expenditure takes 51 percent of the total budget, recurrent expenditure stands at 49 percent.

The governor tagged the 2025 budget, “Budget of Economic Stabilization”.

According to the budget estimate, N343 billion was appropriated for capital expenditure, which represents 50.59 percent of the total budget,while N335 billion naira budgeted for recurrent expenditure represents 49.4 percent of the total budget.

In his presentation on Wednesday,Makinde said N152 billion has been appropriated for the infrastructural development of the state, which he noted took the largest percentage of the budget with 22.4 percent.

Besides,education received N145 billion, which represents 21 percent of the total budget. Health got N59 billion, which represents 9 percent while agriculture  got N18 billion, representing 3 percent of the budget.

He added that the 2025 budget proposal represents a 35 percent increase compared to the 2024.