Summit University, Offa (SUN, Offa), located in Kwara State, Nigeria, welcomed Dr. Segun Popoola, a distinguished Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity expert from Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK (MMU), for an AI training, research, and capacity development initiative. The programme was organized as part of a staff exchange project funded by the European Union, titled “Rural Environmental Monitoring via Ultra Wide-ARea NetworKs And DistriButed Federated LEarning (REMARKABLE).”
Dr. Popoola provided a comprehensive overview of the project’s objectives, highlighting its primary focus on bridging the urban-rural digital divide and driving digital transformation in rural regions, with a particular emphasis on the African continent.
Africa, with a population of 1.2 billion, faces significant connectivity challenges. While mobile network coverage exceeds 99% in urban areas and approximately 89% in rural areas, the rural-urban gap in Africa is more pronounced compared to the EU. Shockingly, only about 22% of the rural population in Africa has access to 4G networks, compared to 77% in urban areas. Equally concerning is the fact that just 6% of rural residents and 28% of urban residents have Internet access at home, according to the latest ITU statistics. In light of these disparities, the primary objective of the REMARKABLE project is to “Connect the Unconnected” through the establishment of Ultra Wide-Area IoT Networks.
During his visit, Dr. Popoola also shared insights into his personal journey in the AI field and encouraged participants to consider how their current pursuits could shape their future ambitions. He emphasized the value of research groups and highlighted opportunities for participants to contribute to economic development, urging them to excel in their endeavors.
Dr. Popoola also provided valuable guidance on securing fully-funded master’s and PhD scholarships and building professional networks within the field. He delved into AI concepts, including Machine Learning, Deep Learning, and Supervised and Unsupervised Learning, offering participants a deeper understanding of these topics.
Beyond theory, participants engaged in hands-on Python programming using Spyder, gaining practical experience during one of the sessions. Dr. Popoola encouraged participants to apply their newfound knowledge to real-world projects and solve societal problems.
The participants expressed gratitude for the opportunity to actively learn about AI, particularly through the Deep Learning hands-on training for the REMARKABLE project. The participants show eagerness to apply the acquired skills to address real-world challenges in reducing the digital divide between urban and rural communities and the nation as a whole.