By Philip Yatai
A firm, Havel Corporate Concept Ltd., has introduced Artificial Intelligence (Al) Club in Nigerian Schools to empower young minds to become ethical digital citizens.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the firm, Dr Ahmed Badanga, disclosed this at the AI and Blockchain Conference and Training in Abuja on Monday.
Badanga said that the firm had received necessary approvals from FCT Universal Basic Education Board (FCT-UBEB) and FCT Secondary Education Board to run the pilot phase in some selected schools in the FCT.
He said that the AI school project would begin with 30 students. drawn from Government Secondary School, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja, and Government Day Secondary School, Wuse 2, Abuja.
He argued that Havel Corporate Concept Ltd. was the first organisation to focus attention on educating younger students on responsible Al.
He added that the organisation was also the first to put together a strategy on Al literacy, critical thinking, and ethical awareness.
This, according to him, will ensure the younger ones use Al as a tool that enhances, rather than replaces human skills and values.
“More so, because we realised that as Al becomes increasingly integrated into children’s lives, there’s a growing need to ensure that young users understand its impact, potential and risks.
“The urgent need to close this informed our decision to introduce Al Clubs in Nigerian Schools.”
The CEO pointed out that AI has become essential in shaping how industries operate and how people interact with technology, describing it as one of the “most important innovations of our time”.
According to him, combining Al and Blockchain technology creates intelligent, secure, and transparent systems with several positive outcomes across various industries.
“This is being achieved with Al providing the analytics and automation, and blockchain offering a foundation of trust and immutability.”
He explained that the essence of the conference was to bring together stakeholders and experts to x-ray how to effectively integrate AI and Blockchain technologies.
This, he said, could help create systems that are not only smarter and more efficient but also more transparent, secure, and resilient.
He pointed out that while there had been significant progress in private sector application of Al and blockchain, the country faces key challenges in infrastructure and the full implementation of its national strategy on both technologies.
Badanga said that the conference was also organised to draw attention to the role of legislation and the need to examine the current regulatory framework on Al.
He said that the move would ensure fruitful discussions on the impact of the multiple Bills on Al that have been introduced in the National Assembly.
Also, Dr Dasuki Arabi, Director General, Bureau of Public Service Reform (BPSR), said that the federal government had introduced AI and Blockchain as part of its inclusive digitalisation of the public service system.
Arabi said that the government remained committed to creating a digitised public service for school children to responsibly operate and manage when they grow.
Acting Executive Chairman of FCT-UBEB, Alhassan Sule, commended the firm for supporting government efforts in entrenching technology in public schools.
Sule, who was represented by Mrs Florence Wenegieme, Director, Science, Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, added that the initiative would significantly improve the adaptation of AI and blockchain technologies in schools.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that awards were presented to brilliant minds, innovative companies and policy makers that are driving Al technology forward and making profound impacts across sectors. (NAN)
Edited by Funmilayo Adeyemi
