By Chiangi Avese, Makurdi
The National Assembly Member representing Gwer/Gwer-West, Dr. Austin Asema Achado’s bill seeking to amend the Federal Polytechnics (Establishment) Act Cap F17 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2009, to establish the Artificial Intelligence Institute, Aliade Benue State, has passed second reading at the Green Chambers on Wednesday.
The House of Representatives during plenary on Wednesday considered for second reading, a bill seeking to amend the Federal Polytechnics (Establishment) Act Cap F17 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2009.
A press release signed by Mendah Manasseh, Personal Assistant to Hon. Arc. Dr. Austin Asema Achado on Media/Publicity said, “the amendment is to accommodate the establishment of Federal Artificial Intelligence Institute, Aliade, Benue State for the purpose of providing structured knowledge on artificial intelligence technology and other matters connected therewith”.
According to the release, “the Artificial Intelligence Institute when established, will offer courses and educational programmes in artificial intelligence and algorithm data technology, urgently required in addressing the sustainable socio-economic development of Nigeria. The world is constantly growing with attendant changes, of which Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of such positive changes”.
Leading the debate on the proposed amendment, Dr. Austin Asema Achado, explained that, we live in an era of dwindling job opportunities for many of our youths with high demand for work but with less or no technological skills.
“Unemployment is one of the major causes of insecurity in the country, and will be reduced if Artificial Intelligence is used to enhance technological advancement, and to create jobs”, Dr. Achado pointed out.
Hon. Abdullahi Rasheed, representing Dakku/Nafada Federal Constituency of Gombe State, supported the second reading of the lead debate, which was considered and unanimously passed by the House and referred to the House Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education, for further legislative action.
