Tech industry leaders have urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritize investment in robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to drive economic growth in the nation. The call was made during a tech and career expo organized by Afrelab in Abuja yesterday, with a focus on promoting collaborative problem-solving through technology among young learners.
The event aimed to equip children with the necessary knowledge to navigate the rapidly advancing AI landscape. Around 150 students from various schools across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) participated in the expo. These students were grouped into 16 teams and competed to create exceptional solutions to real-world challenges.
Co-founder of Afrelab Academy, Joseph Kolawole Ajuwon, applauded the students for their innovative problem-solving ideas and urged the government to support these young minds in pursuing their dreams. The students’ projects covered a wide range of topics, including enhancing the healthcare system, reducing noise pollution, and addressing environmental concerns.
The director of Operations and Programmes, Afrelab Academy, emphasized the importance of empowering students to thrive in the future of work. She highlighted that employers are now looking for individuals who can solve problems, think critically, and maximize technology for organizational improvement. These skills are essential for students to become independent in the near future.
At the end of the competition, Great Heights Academy emerged as the winner, receiving a cash prize of one million Naira. Olumawu School secured the second position with a cash prize of N500,000, and Olumawu Basics was the third runner-up, receiving N300,000.
The exceptional progress demonstrated by the students within just two months was seen as a positive step towards the realization of their innovative solutions. The government was also encouraged to provide the necessary infrastructure and support mechanisms for these young minds to flourish.
