Oyo secondary schools students to undergo robotic training

The Oyo State Government on Wednesday disclosed that thousands of students between the ages of 10 and 16 will benefit from the Airbus Little Engineer (ALE) robotics programme, saying that the training is in conjunction with the Airbus Foundation together with its partner, The Little Engineer as part of its Oyo State Model Education System Interventions (OYOMESI) initiatives.

The training workshop according to the government will be held at five flagship schools commencing with Anglican Commercial Grammar School on Thursday, February 8, 2018, between 10 am and 2 pm.

The Special Adviser to Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Education, Dr Bisi Akin-Alabi explained that the goal of the workshop is to encourage students to understand and embrace technology as well as ignite a passion that could grow into an exciting STEM career, adding that it is also to prepare the state for a knowledge-based future and make it a hub for producing knowledgeable competent workforce.

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Dr Akin-Alabi disclosed that the four other recently renovated Cluster Learning Centres for the workshop include Lagelu Grammar School on March 9, St Anne’s School on March 16, IMG Sharp Corner on March 23 and Wesley College of Science on March 30, 2018.

She stressed that the beneficiaries will be trained in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), saying that some of the objectives of the workshop are for the students to understand the basics of robotics and why they are must in our lives, recognize the different parts available on the airplane, understand the concept of lift force created on an airplane and possess the ability to understand Basic programming

Other objectives according to Dr Akin-Alabi are for the students to create their own algorithm to develop a problem-solving robot, be aware that a huge industry is waiting for them and unleash their potential and nurture their passion so they can contribute efficiently to the future of Airbus.

According to her, “the Airbus Little Engineer A380 Assembly Workshop is a robotic workshop offered by Airbus Foundation for learners aged 12+ in the MENA region and now in Africa, to instil in youth the passion for Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). This workshop aims to introduce the students to the world of robotics and the aviation industry.

“The students will be acquainted with the A380 Airplane covering its development from the manufacturing phase in different countries to its final assembly in Toulouse or Hamburg. This workshop is a 4-hour educational activity that can host a maximum of 27 learners,” Dr Akin-Alabi said.