The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has revealed its intention to organize an international conference and seminar aimed at introducing a new decentralized machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) system for Nigerian polytechnics.
This information was disclosed in a statement provided to journalists in Abuja on Monday by the Head of Media and Publicity of the board, Hajia Fatimah Abubakar.
Abubakar cited the Executive Secretary of NBTE, Prof. Idris Bugaje, who stated that this initiative would democratize access to AI education and bridge connectivity gaps among tertiary technical institutions.
Bugaje announced that the event is scheduled to occur in Abuja from November 25 to November 27, 2025. He emphasized that students should not be denied the chance to learn about emerging technologies due to unreliable internet services or high data costs.
Read also: Nigeria Must Modernise Its Data Centres for AI-Schneider
“During the conference, NBTE will present 46 custom-designed machine learning and AI models developed through a collaboration involving lecturers from Kombolcha Polytechnic in Ethiopia, Nigerian institutions, and MOC-LLC in the United States.
“These models will be distributed as Linux-based ISO files that institutions can easily install for applied research, classroom instruction, and practical simulations,” he stated.
The executive secretary highlighted that this initiative is part of a larger strategy to enhance national capacity in applied engineering, AI, data-driven innovation, and industrial technology.
He noted that by establishing decentralized AI laboratories, the Board intends to position polytechnics as essential contributors to sectors such as agriculture, security, engineering, manufacturing, and industrial development.
