The Bayelsa government on Wednesday expressed its determination to lead in the technology space by embracing and deploying Artificial Intelligence (AI) across its model schools.

Dr Gentle Emelah, Commissioner of Education in Bayelsa who spoke at a training session for Information and Communications Technology (ICT) teachers noted given the strategic position of AI, the state cannot afford to take a back seat.

Emelah urged the teachers who are to mentor their students to utilise the opportunity provided by Bayelsa Education Development Trust Fund (BEDTF) to deepen their knowledge and impart the same to students.

Speaking at the event, Dr Alice Atuwo, Executive Secretary of BEDTF noted that AI is a revolution that is changing the way we live, work and interact with each other.

“The concept of AI is no longer futuristic, it is here with us now, aiding transformation in industries, economies and societies.

“The evidence of self-driven cars, robots serving in hospitality industries are abound. This is the world we now live in.

“The argument that AI has come to take the place of humans and driving millions out of jobs is preponderous. It had only come to aid us in performing our tasks better and more efficiently.

“Man is its inventor, and as the scripture says, “The spirit of the prophets are subjects to the prophet,” 1 Cor. 14:32. Man has plethora of problems and AI is helping in proffering solutions,” Atuwo said.

She explained that issues like climate change, the perennial flooding being experienced in Bayelsa could be addressed by if AI is properly deployed adding that insurgents could be repelled using robots.

“As an interventionist organisation in the Bayelsa educational sector, we are happy to have introduced coding and robotics, and AI in our schools. It is our hope that some of these students will embrace it fully.

“We expect them to improve themselves and deploy the knowledge gained to solve some of societal problems in the near future,” Atuwo said.

On his part, Prof Francis Sikoki, Acting Chairman of BEDTF board applauded the Bayelsa Ministry of Education for providing a conducive atmosphere without interference from inception of the fund in 2017.

He advised the participating ICT teachers to utilise the new trends to aid transfer of knowledge in preventing problems and proffering solutions to problems facing the society.