By Mazino Dickson
In what can be said to be a massive boost to the prospects of artificial intelligence and machine learning in Nigeria, the University of Lagos has held its maiden robotics competition.
Themed “MAIZE QUEST: BUILDING AUTONOMOUS NAVIGATION,” the event brought teams of developers from within and outside one of Nigeria’s premier Institutions with the sole aim of building robots that could navigate through a difficult maize.
At the end of the competition, Team Overrides clinched the first position and the top prize of N75,000.
Team Joda were N50,000 richer in second place, while Team Autodroid.
The Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Prof. Oluwatoyin T. Ogundipe, said the event was an opportunity for students to catch up with their peers in the currently evolving fourth industrial revolution.
Well, it’s not the prize money that matters for now.
What is of great significance is the fact that Nigerian tertiary Institutions are now seriously showing interest in robotics, artificial intelligence and machine learning.