Governor Diri Launches AI Tutors at Bayelsa Medical University

Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has introduced Artificial Intelligence (AI) robotic tutors and other digital learning tools at the Bayelsa Medical University (BMU) in Yenagoa.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that this move is part of the government's plan to boost medical education, research, and technology development in Bayelsa.

The launch took place on Monday in Yenagoa, along with the university’s 2025, 2029 Strategic Plan.

Mr Diri called the initiative a major step in modernizing medical education. He said the digital tools should enhance human teaching and make learning more engaging.

He encouraged the university to use technology to better teaching, learning, and research, but not to take away from the physical classroom experience and the mentoring role of lecturers.

He also urged the university's management to turn its strategic plan into clear improvements in academic standards, research, facilities, and the quality of graduates.

The governor reaffirmed his support for BMU’s ASPIRE Agenda, which aims for academic excellence, sustainability, partnerships, innovation, and research excellence.

He praised the Vice-Chancellor, Dimie Ogoina, and the university management for creating a plan for growth. He asked them to work with the state’s Ministries of Education and Health to reach their goals.

Mr Diri mentioned that his government is boosting science, technical, and vocational education. This will help young people gain practical skills for jobs, entrepreneurship, and self-reliance.

He is hopeful that the science-based schools being set up across the state will prepare students for BMU and other higher institutions.

This will help the state produce more doctors, nurses, pharmacists, radiologists, engineers, and other professionals.

The governor remembered the late governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, who started the project for the former 500-bed hospital where the university is located. He also acknowledged his successor, Seriake Dickson, who revived the project and turned it into a medical university.

He announced that the university’s campus at Sampou is almost ready and will provide more space for expansion.

Mr Diri also checked the facilities at the new Bayelsa Medical University Teaching Hospital. He believes the hospital can provide advanced diagnostic services.

He said the teaching hospital is ready to perform x-rays and advanced scans, including Computed Tomography (CT) scans. These scans use x-ray technology and computer processing to create detailed images of the body.

The governor noted that having such facilities would make it easier for Bayelsans to access specialized diagnostic services. This will reduce the need for them to travel out of the state for some medical procedures.

Mr Diri also toured the Bayelsa Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System.

Earlier, Vice-Chancellor Mr Ogoina shared his vision to make the school a globally recognized center for medical education, research, and innovation, using technology and sustainability.

He explained that they are implementing the ASPIRE Agenda through teams and initiatives that aim to improve academic quality, accountability, innovation, and student welfare.

The vice-chancellor also shared that the university has received accreditation for nine academic programs. He mentioned that nursing science students achieved a 96 percent pass rate in their professional exams.

He added that the College of Medicine is now a full member of the Consortium of Medical Schools of Africa. BMU was also chosen as one of 18 medical schools in Nigeria for a special high-impact intervention program.

On digital innovation, Mr Ogoina said the university has set up a virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and mixed-reality studio. They have improved digital connectivity and launched a “Talk to the VC” app for students and staff to communicate directly and confidentially with university leaders.

He said they are enhancing simulation-based learning via a clinical skills lab and planning to develop a smart campus, improve internet access, and increase revenue.

“The BMU is creating a Centre of Excellence for Digital Health and Biomedical Innovation, along with the Niger Delta Centre of Excellence for Health, Environment and Development to tackle regional health and environmental issues,” he said.