As ministry urges the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) to integrate robotics, AI into school curriculum

The students of Federal Government Girls’ College (FGGC) Sagamu who developed a robot named Okikiola Sagamu aka “Kiki Saggy” have said the functionality of the robot will be improved in the next version.

The students assured during the presentation of how Kiki Saggy operates with the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to the ministry of Education in Abuja.

According to one of the students, Esther Ogunaike, who explained the purpose of the first version of Kiki Saggy, the team hopes that in the next version, “it will be improved upon. We have a big plan for it.”

“Building was a bit challenging, especially the software, hardware, programming, cutting, and drilling of holes. It is not easy. We are hoping that the Ministry of Education will give us the support and encouragement for us to make a better version of Kiki Saggy,” Ogunaike added.

Speaking with the media, the Director/Principal of FGGC Sagamu, Dr. Muyibat Olodo, said she led the college’s Robotics Team which consists of some students and members of staff who are coaches to the ministry.

“The reason for the name is that FGGC Sagamu has been known for many initiatives and innovations since I assumed duty in the college. “Okikiola means “the game of wealth”, she explained.

“Definitely, FGGC Sagamu has a wealth of knowledge in its students and teachers and the same time, Okikiola Sagamu is bringing the college to the limelight. We pray that FGGC Sagamu in particular will continue to remain in the limelight for the good of all Federal Unity Colleges across the country,” Olodo said.

In his reaction, the Permanent Secretary, of the Federal Ministry of Education, Andrew Adejoh lauded the efforts of FGGC Sagamu students, while urging NERDC to work to integrate coding, robotics, and AI into the basic education curriculum.

Adejo also congratulated the school’s leadership and the Robotics Team of the school.

“I have seen the same technology twice. Today, I am seeing this. I want to congratulate the Unity College community for coming out with these ideas. Unity colleges should be taking the lead, and robotics is happening to present that opportunity for us to be number one.

“And like I have always challenged others, I am challenging the Saggy Queens on this robot; think of extending your effort to also include something that will serve food in your cafeteria.

“If you succeed in doing that, a bigger and brighter opportunity will open for you to explore. So this is a big job and I congratulate you,” he encouraged the students.