In a groundbreaking move, the Diocese of Nnewi Anglican Communion has inaugurated the first Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics Hub in Nnewi, Anambra State. This initiative stands as a pioneering effort by a church in Nigeria and possibly across Africa.
During the commissioning ceremony held on Saturday at the Bishop Uzodike Memorial Seminary, Rt. Revd Ndubuisi Obi, Bishop of the Diocese, described the establishment of the Hub as a significant leap into the future. He recalled that around three years ago, the Church embarked on a venture that was initially seen as ambitious and unconventional.
The Bishop revealed that the Church began integrating Robotics coding and AI into their secondary school curriculum. “We transitioned from Sunday sermons to coding classes and from prayer meetings to AI workshops. Our students embraced these changes wholeheartedly,” he said.
He continued, “Our students didn’t just want to learn; they aspired to delve deeper, explore further, and become creators and innovators in the technological sphere. As their Bishop, I felt compelled to support their enthusiasm and sustain their curiosity.”
Reflecting on the project’s inception, the Bishop noted, “I wondered how we could best engage our students and community in this rapidly evolving technological world. Thus, the idea of the AI and Robotics Hub emerged. We knew it was a monumental task, but as they say, great things don’t come from comfort zones.”
He expressed confidence in EDUFUN Technik, led by Uchenna Onwuamegbu-Ugwu, a Harvard graduate, as the ideal partner to manage the lab. “With your expertise and our vision, we’re making history together,” the Bishop stated.
The Bishop emphasized that the Hub represents the beginning of innovation, with hopes that it will inspire students to pursue careers in AI, Robotics, Data Science, Cybersecurity, and IoT. “Our goal is to equip them to become AI engineers, Robotics specialists, software developers, or tech entrepreneurs.”
In response, Onwuamegbu-Ugwu expressed her excitement about being part of this transformative project. She shared that her journey to bring technology and robotics into education began a decade ago. “After years of advocating and meeting with various leaders, it was in 2021 that I met Bishop Obi. His vision and commitment made this dream a reality,” she said.
She praised Bishop Obi’s dedication, noting, “His leadership and foresight ensure that his students are not just keeping up but leading in technological innovation. Today’s opening of the Hub is a testament to his unwavering dedication to his students’ future.”
