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       #Post#: 221--------------------------------------------------
       FUT Minna: Why Nigeria lags behind in system automation
       By: Ebenezer Date: September 2, 2013, 1:00 am
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       The Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna has identified
       non-inclusion of foundational mechatronics subjects in the
       educational curriculum at all levels as one of the challenges
       facing innovative and creative thinking among Nigerians.
       This, according to the university, is evident in the fact that
       almost every task is done manually within the country. It
       believes system automation is an integral part of the
       development of any nation. In a bid to bridgethis gap, the
       university created a new School (faculty) of Information and
       Communication Technology (SICT).
       The Acting Dean of the School, Dr Elizabeth N. Onwuka, speaking
       in a telephone interview with Sunday Vanguard, echoed the
       thinking of FUT Minna,
       emphasizing that teaching of science, technology, engineering
       and mathematics using traditional classroom approaches makes
       young Nigerians lose interests in these fields at the early age
       of schooling.
       Onwuka, an Associate Professor in the Department of
       Telecommunications Engineering Department in FUT, said the
       non-inclusion of this strategic field of study at the
       pre-nursery, nursery, primary and secondary levels has deprived
       Nigeria the opportunity to develop her top talents at a very
       tender age.
       This educational lopsidedness, she stated, continues to manifest
       in non-availability of top talents needed for the most desired
       technological transformation of the country despite her abundant
       human resources.
       Onwuka disclosed that in order to tackle this technological
       challenge, SICT has begun the development of artificial
       intelligence-based mechatronics engineering system in Nigeria.
       To achieve this, brilliant Nigerian experts in mechatronics
       (Prof M.J.E. Salami and Dr Abiodun M. Aibinu), lecturing abroad,
       have been attracted to join FUT Minna and establish a department
       of mechatonicengineering.
       ¡°Presently, the university is organizing a maiden edition of
       Nigeria Robotics Championship (NIROC), which is aimed at
       introducing innovation and creativity in artificial
       intelligence, mechatronics engineering, and robotics, all of
       which drive automation, to all spheres of life in Nigeria¡±,
       Onwuka said.
       ¡°The championship is expected to build a network of top
       talents; facilitate the teaching of science, technology,
       engineering and mathematics with fun using affordable and
       locally developed intelligent mechatronic engineering systems;
       improve intuitiveness; and imbibe research culture in all the
       educational tiers in the country¡±.
       According to her, championship will be held later this year at
       FUT Minna. The championship, among other things, will boost the
       country¡¯s transformation agenda inthe area of artificial
       intelligence, mechatronics and robotic system development.
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