• Hosts Teachers Training in AI & Python Programming
BY: Sandra Ani
Softcom has distributed the recently launched Artificial Intelligence textbooks for primary and secondary to two hundred and fifty schools in Lagos.
This was during a Softcom-hosted Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Python programming Masterclass for computer science teachers.
At the Masterclass, aimed at equipping teachers with the requisite skills and knowledge to transfer to their students, each teacher received a free copy of the AI textbook for use in their respective schools.
The Chief Solutions Officer, Softcom Limited, Seindemi Olobayo, says: “we are very passionate about education because it is through education that we can drive change in Nigeria. To address the challenges in the education sector, we are doing some research around basic education and the possibilities of broad access. We also have the Teachers’ Learning Network where we systematically upskill teachers.”
“We are therefore excited to partner with Data Science Nigeria on this book distribution to various schools across Nigeria” He added.
It would be recalled that last month, Data Science Nigeria (DSN), in partnership with Softcom, published and launched the first AI textbook for primary and secondary schools.
Technical Delivery Lead, Data Science Nigeria, Olalekan Akinsande, says: “we are committed to building 1 million Artificial Intelligence talents in 10 years from Nigeria and this Masterclass is one of our platforms to realize this vision. We are thankful to our partners, Softcom for making this happen.”
During the Masterclass, participants were taken through the impact & use cases of AI, alternative channels to learn Python using devices besides a laptop, deep dive into Python programming and introduction to Machine Learning and Deep Learning.
Participants in the Masterclass expressed their excitement and appreciation to the organisers. Adebowale Adetoun, ICT and Data Processing Teacher, At-Tanzeel Schools, Ikorodu, one of the participants, described the Masterclass as informative, educative & interesting.
Okoedoh Abraham, a private educator, says: “I am particularly excited about the tools explored – Python in particular. Being able to access Python for free is of advantage to low income countries like Nigeria, and I look forward to implementing a Data Science & AI curriculum in the schools that we partner with”.
Softcom also used this platform to highlight the challenges in the education space and how they look to address these issues utilising technology. With Nigeria’s population rapidly growing year after year, it is necessary for education to scale at a similar pace.
The solutions highlighted include ‘Koya for Schools’, which provides stakeholders in the teaching and learning process with tools to ensure they can effectively learn, document, track, interact and share educational materials seamlessly; and ‘Koya for Open learning’, designed to equip individuals with skills they need to thrive in the corporate world, and solve societal challenges.