From Maryam Ahmadu-Suka, Kaduna
The Education Information Initiative (INFONexus) has organised a workshop to introduce students to AI and enlighten them on the diversity of AI to build their interest in any field they choose to function, be it education or agriculture.
The workshop, in partnership with the Aisha Yusuf Mamman (AMA) Foundation aimed at boosting digital literacy among students on simpler ways they can leverage AI through the use of dice, date, and discovery.
Speaking at the workshop themed: AI on A Roll, the Founder of INFONexus, Dr Zarah Bello, said the goal of the workshop was to deliver a low tech introduction to AI for children, both those in communities who have access to internet and technology, and those in underserved communities.
She said: “The need to educate students on AI became necessary due to how fast the world is evolving digitally, hence the collaborative contribution towards closing the digital divide.
“This initiative uses simple dice to explore the concepts of machine learning and the idea is that, you don’t need a computer to understand the basics of how it works; this is all in preparation for when we have better infrastructures, and better access to technology.”
She said: “We are preparing the students to be ready when they receive these devices with our own small steps, and I think that, in this fun way through animation videos, and using dice to collect data, and predict what will roll next, it makes AI and digital technology feel more accessible to those who think it’s not.”
She noted that some communities in Nigeria do not have access to basic needs, and using AI will help to achieve the needs faster, while citing an example of using AIbots to deliver education in different languages for those who don’t have access to education.
Speaking, Executive Director of AMA Foundation, Aisha Yusuf Mamman, said the workshop is to ensure that students have equitable access to Artificial Intelligence to harness their potential and achieve their dreams.
She however maintained that AMA Foundation is all about bridging the gap, adding, “We believe that every road to success requires some level of education. What we are trying to do is to pique their interest; there are innovators, creators, and builders among them, so this will help to shape their future.”
A participant, Fatima Abubakar, from Federal Government College (FGC) Kaduna, said she had learnt how AI can improve her performance academically.
