Nabilah S
Accra Technical University (ATU) has received a $1 million grant from the Vanuatu Trade Commission (VTC) to facilitate the training of students and staff in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and applied research. The collaboration involves sponsoring an international conference with the ESDEV Foundation Africa in Accra under the theme: “Unlocking Africa’s Youth Potential for Socio-Economic Transformation.” Professor Amevi Acakpovi, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of ATU, announced this during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between VTC and the University in Accra, marking a significant step in fostering an exchange of knowledge, resources, and expertise in AI between the two institutions.
The professor emphasized the significance of establishing specialized AI training at ATU, highlighting the importance of adopting innovative approaches to stay abreast of the evolving job market. He underscored ATU’s belief in technology’s transformative capabilities to spur innovation, tackle intricate issues, and enhance societal well-being. Through this collaboration, both parties pledge to leverage AI’s potential to tackle urgent challenges and promote sustainable development in their respective areas.
Recent research suggests that by 2025, AI will supplant 85 million jobs worldwide. He praised the Commission for its dedication to backing the University and leveraging AI for beneficial transformations. Professor Acakpovi voiced optimism that this collaboration would facilitate pioneering breakthroughs, creative solutions, and significant outcomes.
The AI Africa training commenced on April 30, 2024, at the British Council in Ghana, initiated by the Commission. Its aim is to empower about five million African youth with essential skills. Prof Hugh Keku Aryee, serving as the Vanuatu Trade Commissioner to Ghana, committed to furnishing all necessary learning materials for addressing intricate problems during the training. He emphasized the significance of ATU being the inaugural recipient of the grant, facilitating the preparation of both staff and students to excel in the digital realm.
The collaboration emphasizes a joint dedication to fostering innovation, education, and technological progress worldwide.
Dr. Dave King Boison, CEO of the Knowledge Web Centre, highlighted the upcoming training’s focus on prompt engineering, deep learning, and machine learning.
