The University of Lagos Africa Engineering and Technology (AFRETEC) network launched a three-day workshop on Nithub on June 16, 2025 on Introduction to Machine Learning using Tensorflow.
The training is led by Dr. Babatand de Sawyer, a senior lecturer in the Department of Computer Science and founding lead of the Machine Intelligence Research Group (MIRG). As a co-leader of Afretec-Unilag's Pillar of Knowledge Creation, Dr. Sawyer emphasized that the workshop is a strategic move aimed at fostering a new generation of African AI experts.
“This is more than just a workshop,” he said. “This is a call to equip the minds of young Africans with the tools and mindsets they need to use machine learning to solve the real-world challenges facing the continent.”
Professor Bora Orbo, Associate Vice-President (Scholars and Research), attended to declare the workshop. She urged participants to seize the opportunity to become active innovators.
Her words: “We know that there is a lot of energy in the room. We hope that your curiosity will lead to innovative solutions that will most benefit our society in many important ways.”
A total of 33 participants came from a variety of institutions including University of Lagos, Lagos State University, Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Obafemy Awoowow University, West Midlands Open University and Yaba Technology. Their diverse academic backgrounds ranging from computer science, computer engineering, statistics and mathematics brought rich perspectives to the workshop.
Facilitators: Dr. Babatande Sawyer and Sunday Aforabi guided participants through basic topics such as machine learning, development cycles, data representation, and practical practice of tensorflow and Keras. Participants were grouped into eight more interdisciplinary teams, using the knowledge acquired there to brainstorm potential solutions to everyday problems.
As the workshop continues through Wednesday, June 18th, the energy and ambitions of the room point to a future future with promises. By equipping these new talents with cutting-edge AI tools and knowledge, organizers aren't simply teaching. They plant seeds of innovation that will one day transform industry and society across the continent.
In Professor Oboh's words, “This gathering is a fertile ground where curiosity can fulfill its purpose and the outcomes can fully define Africa's digital future.”
Report: Isaiah Kumuyi
Photo: Joshua Michael
