Nasarawa Varsity Sets to Establish Robotics, AI Laboratory

The Phoenix University, Agwada, in the Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, said it has established a Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory for its intending students in line with the approval given to the institution by the National Universities Commission.

The Pioneer Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Abdullahi Bala, disclosed this at a press briefing organized by the institution on Thursday in Kokona, Nasarawa.

While noting that the laboratory was built due to the university’s desire to create a niche in reinforcing its students’ degrees with skills, the VC said the center would help to boost expertise in research and development in robotics, artificial intelligence, and business innovation.

He said, “The Centre will ultimately become the hub for our community service and engagement where inspiring and entrepreneurial ideas will be developed, tested, and brought to life under the guidance of teachers, entrepreneurial mentors, and artisans.

“It currently has five units including hardware and software for robotics and drones, Virtual and Augmented Reality, and 3-D Printing.

“The facility will not only provide opportunities for our students to express their creativity in building robots and drones but the Virtual Reality unit can be used by other students, irrespective of area of study for learning, especially real-time demonstrations from remote facilities across the globe.”

Bala further explained that Phoenix University had concluded arrangements to begin the 2023/2024 academic session in January 2024.

The university, Bala said, aimed to provide qualitative and affordable education to raise the standard of education in the state and the country at large.

He stated that the privately owned institution had also received approval from the NUC to begin with three faculties including Natural and Applied Sciences, Computing as well as Social and Management Sciences.

“To qualify for admission into Phoenix University, all candidates are expected to meet the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board minimum cut-off mark of 140 and possess five credit passes in relevant subjects, including Mathematics and English in the Senior School Certificate Examination at not more than two sittings.

“Phoenix University received formal approval and registration of the Federal Executive Council on May 27, 2023, after fulfilling all initial regulatory requirements and was subsequently issued with a provisional license for its take-off by the National Universities Commission on Friday, June 9, 2023.

“The University received a Resource Verification Team from the National Universities Commission on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, to inspect the adequacy of our facilities to commence academic activities.

“We intend to produce skilled graduates who are not only employable but are able to employ themselves and others,” the VC added.

While thanking the traditional rulers, heads of security agencies, and members of the host community for the tremendous support extended to the university, Bala expressed gratitude to the Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, for awarding a contract for the reconstruction of the 50-km Kokona-Agwada road, saying it would help ease access to the campus of the institution when completed.