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…As Dr. Mfon Okpok delivers AI Servers Ors for effective teaching and learning
By Saviour Ekpe
The Akwa Ibom State College of Education, Afaha Nsit has taken a significant step into Nigeria’s digital future following its designation as the Regional Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Hub for the South-South, South-East geopolitical zones. The designation is part of a landmark initiative jointly driven by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), MOC-LLC, a United States-based Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning consulting firm, aimed at equipping lecturers with practical digital skills for teaching, research and innovation.
The official launch of the ML/AI-Driven Applied Interdisciplinary Research Conference, Seminar, Hands-on Training also featured the handover of AI servers, simulation platforms, networking equipment, software resources, other training facilities donated by MOC-LLC to support practical learning within the College.
Welcoming participants, the Acting Provost, Dr. Jeremiah Iweh, described the College’s selection as a vote of confidence in its capacity to drive technology-based teacher education. He said the initiative aligns with the ARISE Agenda of the Akwa Ibom State Government, will strengthen teaching, research, innovation in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Educational Technology, Science, Technical and Vocational Education.
The Provost noted that Artificial Intelligence is already transforming education, governance, healthcare, industry, making it imperative for Nigerian institutions to prepare educators with practical digital competencies rather than theoretical knowledge alone. He commended NBTE, NCCE, MOC-LLC, particularly Dr. Mfon Okpok, for donating AI infrastructure worth millions of naira to the College, describing the gesture as a major investment in the future of education.
Representing the Executive Secretary of NCCE, Alhaji Garaba M. Koko said the establishment of regional AI hubs forms part of the Commission’s strategy to decentralise digital capacity development across Colleges of Education nationwide. He stressed that the future of teacher education depends on preparing lecturers capable of integrating emerging technologies into classroom instruction.
The initiative was conceived by the Executive Secretary of NBTE, Professor Idris M. Bugaje, who partnered with MOC-LLC to expose Nigerian lecturers to Linux, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, applied mathematics through practical training. According to him, Nigeria must embrace computation-driven learning to remain globally competitive.
Facilitator of the programme, Dr. Mfon Okpok, Strategic Partner to NBTE, NCCE through MOC-LLC, highlighted the growing importance of Artificial Intelligence in education, healthcare, manufacturing, governance, research, economic development. He also narrated the efforts involved in securing, transporting the donated equipment from the United States to Akwa Ibom State, describing the project as a personal commitment to advancing digital education in Nigeria.
Goodwill messages were presented by the Provost of the Federal College of Education, Ididep, Dr. Wilson Udofia, representatives of NBTE, NCCE while Professor Udoinyang G. Inyang of the Department of Data Science, University of Uyo delivered the keynote address, advocating inclusive Artificial Intelligence education, wider digital access, interdisciplinary collaboration.
The training, which continues until Thursday, adopts a train-the-trainer model under which participating lecturers will transfer the knowledge acquired to students, thereby extending the impact of the programme beyond the conference. The initiative positions the College of Education, Afaha Nsit as a strategic centre for Artificial Intelligence capacity development, reinforcing Akwa Ibom State’s growing reputation as an emerging hub for innovation, digital education and research in Nigeria.
