The Nnewi Diocese of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, has established multi million naira Artificial Intelligence, AI, Coding and Robotics hub in Nnewi in a bid to prepare youths for the challenges of the 21st century.
The center, located at Bishop Uzodike Memorial Seminary in the industrial town, is said to be the first of its kind in the South East geopolitical zone.
It was established in partnership with EDUFUN Technik, headed by a Harvard University- trained Technovation expert, Mrs. Uchenna Onwuamaegbu-Ugwu.
Inaugurating the hub, the Anglican Bishop of Nnewi, Rt. Rev Ndubuisi Obi described it as a giant leap into the future.
According to the Bishop, the idea for the center began three years ago when schools in the Diocese started teaching students about robotics, coding and artificial intelligence.
He said: "The students didn't just want to learn; they wanted more. They wanted to dig deeper, explore further, and be more than just participants. They wanted to be creators, innovators, and leaders in this new technological world.
"And as their Bishop, I couldn't just sit back and watch their enthusiasm fizzle out. We needed to find a way to keep this momentum going, sustain their interest, and feed their curiosity.
"So, I asked myself, what would be the most sustainable way to engage our students in this rapidly evolving world of technology?"
"That was when the idea of an AI and Robotics Hub was born. We knew it was a massive project, but that didn't stop us. After all, isn't it said that great things never come from comfort zones.
"So, we decided to build a lab that would not only sustain our students' interest, but also put our Diocese on the map as a leader in technology education.
"Here we are raising students who will be future innovators and leaders in AI.
We are planting the seeds of innovation in our Diocese, and I believe these seeds will grow into something truly extraordinary.
"After using this hub, we expect our students to be inspired to pursue careers in cutting-edge fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Data Science, Cyber security, and IoT, among others. They may become AI engineers, robotics specialists, software developers, or tech entrepreneurs.
"By providing hands-on experience and fostering innovation, this hub will equip them with the skills to excel in these fields and lead the future of technology, whether as creators, educators, or ethical leaders in AI."
The Bishop said that in addition to the Nnewi center, similar hubs would be established at Oraifite, Nnewichi and Okija, all in the Diocese, adding that they would be funded by prominent individuals in those communities who are desirous to expose their youths to AI.
In her speech, the founder of EDUFUN Technik, Mrs Onwuamaegbu-Ugwu said the hub was a fulfillment of something she had dreamt of for many years.
She said: "This hub is more than just a building filled with computers and robots. It is a place where dreams will take flight, where our children will learn to think creatively, solve problems, and build solutions that could one day change the world.
"Whether they aspire to be doctors, lawyers, engineers, or entrepreneurs, the skills they gain here-critical thinking, digital literacy, and innovative problem-solving-will serve them in any path they choose.
"Imagine a doctor using AI to diagnose diseases more accurately, a lawyer leveraging data analytics to build stronger cases, or an entrepreneur creating the next big tech start-up. The possibilities are endless, and it all starts right here, in this hub.
"The world is changing rapidly, and if we want our children to thrive in it, we must change with it.
"Embracing technology doesn't mean moving away from our spiritual roots; rather, it means giving our children the tools to navigate the modern world while grounded in their faith. We are not just building robots; we are building responsible, ethical, and compassionate leaders for tomorrow.
"In this hub, students will not only learn how to code or build machines; they will learn how to think critically, how to ask the right questions, and how to find solutions that benefit humanity. This aligns perfectly with the teachings of our faith-serving others, making a positive impact, and being stewards of the gifts God has given us, including the gift of technology.
"As you students step into this hub, remember that you are stepping into a place of endless possibilities. This is your space to explore, to create, to innovate. The future is in your hands, and I have no doubt that you will use it to build something truly remarkable."
She commended Bishop Ndubisi Obi for his unwavering commitment to the future of his students by giving them the tools they need to excel, thrive, and lead in the rapidly changing world.
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