KADUNA STATE LAUNCHES FIRST HAUSA AI LEARNING SERIES WITH GOOGLE & DSN
A new initiative aimed at empowering women in Northern Nigeria through AI education has been launched.
Google, in collaboration with the Kaduna State Government, and Data Science Nigeria, introduced the AI for Beginners Learning Video Series.
A new initiative in Kaduna, Nigeria, aims to bridge the digital divide and empower women in the tech sector. The “AI for Beginners Learning Video Series” is a first-of-its-kind program created through a collaboration between the Kaduna State Government, Google, and Data Science Nigeria (DSN).
This innovative series uses engaging animations and imagery that resonates with the local culture. This approach makes complex concepts in artificial intelligence (AI) more accessible and relatable. The ultimate goal is to foster inclusivity and encourage participation from a wider range of people in the rapidly growing field of technology.
The official launch of the program was a celebration of technology, education, and the immense potential of women in Northern Nigeria. Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State attended the event as the guest of honor. During his keynote address, he emphasized the government’s commitment to using digital tools to drive economic growth and transformation in the region.
Governor Uba Sani, recognizing the current importance of AI, declared that equipping the people of Kaduna, particularly women, with these skills is not just about future prosperity and innovation, but also about laying the groundwork for Kaduna to become a major tech hub in Northern Nigeria.
Highlighting Google’s commitment to empowering people through local language learning resources, the Director of Google West Africa, who spoke at the launch event held in Kaduna, emphasized technology’s potential to drive positive change. He went on to say that this new video series represents a significant step forward in their efforts to spread knowledge about AI throughout Northern Nigeria. This will not only lead to a broader understanding of AI but also its application in creating new jobs and fostering innovation.
Dr. Bayo Adekanbi, the CEO/founder of Data Science Nigeria, echoed this sentiment. He believes that making AI education accessible in Hausa opens doors for innovation, entrepreneurship, and social impact. He sees these women as the future leaders and innovators of Northern Nigeria, and views AI as the tool that can truly unlock their potential.
Representatives from NITDA and the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy also delivered speeches at the event. They emphasized the national importance of this initiative and the government’s commitment to creating a thriving tech environment.
The “AI for Beginners Learning Video Series” is now widely accessible! Here’s how you can learn about AI:
- Online: Watch the series on YouTube through the Data Science Nigeria platform or the NITDA education portal.
- Offline: Download the series for personal use.
- Schools: The series is pre-loaded on USB drives and distributed to primary and secondary schools across Kaduna State. This allows for easy sharing between students and teachers.
- Community centers: Look for public video content copying centers in Kaduna. These locations might also have the series available for copying.
