UBN to Train Youths on AI, Robotics Technology

Dike Onwuamaeze

Union Bank Nigeria Plc has announced the call for entries into its “2021 Next Robotics Legend Programme,” which is part of the bank’s initiatives under its Edu360 umbrella meant to enhance digital learning and building the capacity of young Nigerian startups and inventors in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility.

Speaking on the initiative, Union Bank’s Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, Ms. Ogochukwu Ekezie-Ekaidem, said: “Coming off a successful initial edition, Edu360 is excited to unveil the second edition of The Next Robotics Legend 2.0 programme. We are passionate about creating a sustainable future in Nigeria and aim to do this through initiatives that align with the Bank’s focus on education. By training young people in AI and Robotics, we can equip them to create innovative solutions that solve some of the biggest challenges we face as a nation, which is why we are excited to see what this year’s participants will do with the learnings from the programme.”

The entry period for the program, she said, would run from August 9 to August 23, 2021, through video submissions that would be accepted via Union Bank’s website from parents and guardians of eligible students between the ages of 11 and 16.

“Thereafter, 40 students with the most creative and passionate entries will be selected to participate in the two-week boot camp, during which they will receive a tablet with preloaded information; a MekaMon, and access to seasoned tutors for the programme duration, ”she said.

The bank explained that the programme, which was introduced in 2020, was designed to, “identify and train young inventors in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics, and was developed in partnership with Awarri, a pan-African artificial technology company owned by Mr. Silas Adekunle, a top international robotics engineer who is renowned for creating the world’s first intelligent gaming robot.”