By Wilson Macaulay,
The Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) in Effurun, Delta State, Nigeria, is making significant strides in equipping its staff and students with essential skills for the future. Under the leadership of Acting Principal and Chief Executive Dr. Samuel E. Onoji, the institute is committed to becoming Africa's leading oil and gas technology center. Dr. Onoji's focus is on ensuring that both staff and students acquire practical knowledge to remain competitive in the global market.
In line with this vision, the Linkages, Exchange, and Partnerships (LEP) unit of PTI organized the sixth edition of its Industry-Academia Linkage (IAL) Webinar Series on August 29, 2024. This event, held in collaboration with Faith Leads University (FLU) in St. Petersburg, Florida, aimed to train participants in Artificial Intelligence (AI), equipping them with the skills necessary to excel in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
Dr. (Mrs.) Sarah A. Nwinee, Head of the LEP unit at PTI, highlighted the importance of the IAL webinar series in fostering innovation through training, research, and consultancy. She emphasized that the series provides a platform for industry experts to share current trends and knowledge with PTI staff, enhancing their professional development. The partnership with FLU marks a significant step toward building sustainable skills to address industry challenges.
The webinar featured Dr. Paul Okatahi, Vice President and Founder of Faith Leads University, as the lead speaker. In his presentation, titled "Developing Essential AI Skills for the Future," Dr. Okatahi discussed the transformative impact of AI on various sectors and how educational institutions like PTI can adapt their programs to meet industry needs. He stressed the importance of adopting a beginner's mindset when engaging with AI, describing it as a powerful tool for solving real-world problems creatively. Dr. Okatahi also explored AI-driven innovations, such as self-driving cars, drones, and robotic bodyguards, highlighting the growing demand for skills in mechatronics, machine learning, and neural networks.
While addressing AI's limitations, Dr. Okatahi pointed out that AI, unlike humans, lacks common sense, emotions, and the ability to differentiate gender and age. However, he assured the audience that AI is evolving and that these challenges are not insurmountable. He also emphasized the importance of quality data and ethical considerations in AI development.
The session concluded with a quiz led by Dr. Okatahi, after which he announced that 12 participants who excelled would receive the Faith Leads University Google Scholarship, valued at over $300. This scholarship will allow them to enroll in high-demand tech industry certificate programs such as Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, Digital Marketing & E-commerce, Project Management, UX Design, and IT Support, for a period of three months.
A goodwill message was delivered by Ihuaku Ugwu, HR Manager at SLB (formerly Schlumberger) Land & Rigs, Houston, Texas. She emphasized AI's potential to empower individuals and expand their academic and professional opportunities. "AI is no longer a futuristic concept; it is a vital component of industries ranging from energy to finance," she said, urging participants to stay curious and passionate about learning AI.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Mrs. Florence Jumbo, Deputy Director of Human Resources Development, on behalf of the Registrar. She expressed the institute's gratitude to Dr. Paul Okatahi and Ihuaku Ugwu for their valuable contributions, and to Dr. (Mrs.) Sarah A. Nwinee and her team for organizing the impactful webinar.
