The African Engineering and Technology (AFRETEC) Network at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) has launched a three-day machine learning workshop aimed at training Africa’s next generation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) experts. The workshop, which began on June 16, 2025, is taking place at NITHub UNILAG and focuses on using TensorFlow to teach the basics of machine learning.
Dr Babatunde Sawyer, a senior lecturer in the Department of Computer Science and leader of the Machine Intelligence Research Group (MIRG), is leading the training. He said the goal is to equip young Africans with the skills and mindset needed to solve real-life problems using machine learning. “This is more than just a workshop,” Dr Sawyer said.
“It is about preparing young people to find practical solutions to Africa’s challenges through technology. Declaring the event open, Professor Bola Oboh, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academics and Research at UNILAG, encouraged participants to take full advantage of the opportunity. We know you are full of energy and ideas,” she said.
The training brought together 33 participants from institutions including UNILAG, Lagos State University (LASU), Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUST), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), West Midlands Open University, and Yaba College of Technology. They came from diverse academic backgrounds, including Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Mathematics, and Statistics.
