Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has unveiled Artificial Intelligence-powered robotic tutors and other digital learning innovations at the Bayelsa Medical University, Yenagoa, as part of efforts to modernise medical education and strengthen research and technological development.
The innovations were unveiled on Monday alongside the university’s 2025–2029 Strategic Plan, with Diri urging the management to embrace emerging technologies without undermining physical classroom interactions and the mentorship role of lecturers.
Diri described the introduction of robotic tutors as a significant step towards improving medical education, stressing that technology should complement rather than replace conventional teaching methods.
“Technology should complement physical classroom interactions, not replace them. The mentorship role of lecturers remains essential to the development of our students,” he said.
The governor challenged the university management to translate its strategic plan into measurable improvements in academic standards, research, infrastructure and the quality of graduates.
“I challenge the university management to translate its strategic plan into measurable improvements in academic standards, research, infrastructure and the quality of graduates,” he said.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the university’s ASPIRE Agenda, which focuses on academic excellence, sustainability, partnerships and engagement, innovation and technology, research excellence, as well as empowerment, leadership development and welfare.
Diri commended the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dimie Ogoina, and the university management for developing a roadmap for institutional growth, urging them to work closely with the state Ministries of Education and Health to achieve the institution’s objectives.
The governor also highlighted his administration’s investment in science, technical and vocational education, saying the initiative was designed to equip young people with practical skills for employment, entrepreneurship and self-reliance.
“We are strengthening science, technical and vocational education to equip our young people with practical skills for employment, entrepreneurship and self-reliance,” he stated.
He expressed confidence that science-oriented schools being established across the state would provide qualified candidates for BMU and other tertiary institutions, helping Bayelsa produce more doctors, nurses, pharmacists, radiologists, engineers and other professionals.
Diri acknowledged the contributions of former Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, who initiated the development of the former 500-bed hospital where BMU is located, and his successor, Senator Seriake Dickson, who revived the project and transformed it into a medical university.
He further disclosed that the university’s campus at Sampou was nearing completion and would provide additional space for the institution’s expansion.
Diri, who also inspected facilities at the newly established Bayelsa Medical University Teaching Hospital, expressed confidence in its capacity to provide advanced diagnostic services, including X-rays and Computed Tomography scans.
He said the availability of such facilities would improve access to specialised healthcare services and reduce the need for residents to travel outside the state for certain medical procedures.
The governor also toured facilities at the Bayelsa State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System as part of activities highlighting the state’s efforts to improve healthcare delivery.
Earlier, Ogoina said the university was pursuing a vision of becoming a globally recognised institution for medical education, research and innovation, driven by technology and sustainability.
“Our vision is to transform Bayelsa Medical University into a globally recognised institution for medical education, research and innovation, driven by technology and sustainability,” Ogoina said.
He explained that the ASPIRE Agenda was being implemented through institutional teams and initiatives aimed at improving academic quality, accountability, innovation and student welfare.
The vice-chancellor disclosed that the university had secured accreditation for nine academic programmes, while its nursing science students recorded a 96 per cent pass rate in their professional examinations.
He added that BMU researchers had produced more than 70 peer-reviewed publications, reflecting the institution’s focus on medical knowledge and research.
Ogoina also announced that the university’s College of Medicine had attained full membership of the Consortium of Medical Schools of Africa, while BMU was selected as one of 18 medical schools in Nigeria for a high-impact intervention programme.
On digital innovation, he said the institution had established a virtual reality, artificial intelligence and mixed-reality studio to expose students to modern learning technologies and improve practical training.
“We have established a virtual reality, artificial intelligence and mixed-reality studio to strengthen digital learning and expose our students to modern educational technologies,” he said.
He further disclosed that the university had expanded digital connectivity and introduced a “Talk to the VC” application to enable students and staff to communicate directly and confidentially with the university leadership.
According to him, BMU was also strengthening simulation-based learning through its clinical skills laboratory while pursuing plans to develop a smart campus, improve internet connectivity and increase internally generated revenue.
Ogoina said the university was developing a Centre of Excellence for Digital Health and Biomedical Innovation, alongside the Niger Delta Centre of Excellence for Health, Environment and Development, to address regional health and environmental challenges.
He said the institution aimed to become, by 2029, a nationally respected and internationally recognised health sciences university distinguished by excellence in education, research, innovation, leadership and societal impact.
The vice-chancellor thanked Diri for his support, expressing optimism that the university would build on the foundation already laid to achieve its long-term ambitions.