By DAYO ADESULU
LAGOS — Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) has received a major technological boost following the donation of a high-performance Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) server valued at $20,000 by MOC-AI International.
The donation was announced during the opening of the NBTE-NCCE-MOC AI/Machine Learning International Conference and Seminar for South-West polytechnics and colleges of education, hosted by YABATECH in Lagos.
Presenting the server, the Chief Executive Officer of MOC-AI International, Dr. Mfon Okpok, said the initiative is aimed at strengthening artificial intelligence research, innovation and practical training in Nigerian tertiary institutions, with YABATECH serving as a key partner in advancing technology-driven education.
According to him, the donation also fulfils a personal promise he made in honour of his late father and reflects his passion for promoting technical education in Nigeria.
Dr. Okpok stressed that access to modern computing infrastructure is essential for building local expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning and data science. He noted that the server would provide lecturers, researchers and students with the computing power needed to undertake advanced AI projects.
In addition to YABATECH, he disclosed that two colleges of education in South-West Nigeria also received similar AI servers valued at $20,000 each.
Receiving the equipment on behalf of the institution, the Rector of YABATECH, Dr. Engr. Ibraheem Abdul, described the donation as a landmark investment in the future of technical education in Nigeria.
He said the server would significantly enhance the institution’s ability to deliver cutting-edge training, support research and position YABATECH as a regional centre for artificial intelligence education and innovation.
The rector expressed appreciation to MOC-AI International for supporting the college’s digital transformation agenda, assuring that the equipment would be effectively deployed to improve teaching, learning, research and skills development.
Abdul added that the donation aligns with the institution’s strategic vision of producing graduates equipped with digital skills required for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The conference also brought together stakeholders from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), polytechnics and colleges of education across the South-West.
Participants urged lecturers and researchers to embrace artificial intelligence and continuously upgrade their digital competencies to remain relevant in the rapidly evolving global education landscape.
Representatives of both regulatory agencies described AI as a critical tool for transforming teaching, learning and research, encouraging academics to develop innovative, home-grown technological solutions capable of addressing national challenges.
More than 54 members of staff from YABATECH participated in the conference alongside delegates from other institutions. Participants commended MOC-AI International for the donation, describing it as a practical demonstration of private-sector commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s technological and educational ecosystem.
The conference featured intensive hands-on training sessions on artificial intelligence, machine learning and other emerging digital technologies for lecturers and researchers from tertiary institutions across South-West Nigeria.
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