Diri unveils AI robotic tutors in Bayelsa medical university

Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has unveiled Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered robotic tutors and other digital learning innovations at the Bayelsa Medical University (BMU), Yenagoa.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the initiative is part of the government’s efforts to advance medical education, research and technological development in Bayelsa.

The innovations were unveiled alongside the university’s 2025–2029 Strategic Plan on Monday in Yenagoa.

Mr Diri described the initiative as a significant step towards modernising medical education, saying that the digital tools must complement human instruction and make learning more interactive.

He urged the institution to deploy technology to improve teaching, learning and research without replacing physical classroom interactions and the mentorship role of lecturers.

He also challenged the university’s management to translate its strategic plan into measurable improvements in academic standards, research, infrastructure and the quality of graduates.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting BMU’s ASPIRE Agenda, which focuses on academic excellence, sustainability, partnerships and engagement, innovation and technology, as well as research excellence among others.

He commended the Vice-Chancellor, Dimie Ogoina, and the university management for developing a roadmap for institutional growth, charging them to collaborate with the state’s Ministries of Education and Health to achieve its objectives.

Mr Diri said his administration was strengthening science, technical and vocational education to equip young people with practical skills for employment, entrepreneurship and self-reliance.

He expressed confidence that the science-oriented schools being established across the state would provide qualified candidates for BMU and other tertiary institutions.

According to him, this will help the state to produce more doctors, nurses, pharmacists, radiologists, engineers and other professionals.

The governor acknowledged the late governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, who initiated the development of the former 500-bed hospital where the university is located, and his successor, Seriake Dickson, who revived the project and transformed it into the medical university.

He disclosed that the university’s campus at Sampou was nearing completion and would provide additional space for its expansion.

Mr Diri also inspected facilities at the newly established Bayelsa Medical University Teaching Hospital and expressed confidence in the institution’s capacity to provide advanced diagnostic services.

He said the teaching hospital was equipped to conduct x-rays and advanced scans, including Computed Tomography (CT) scans, which use x-ray technology and computer processing to produce detailed images of internal body structures.

The governor said the availability of such facilities would improve access to specialised diagnostic services and reduce the need for Bayelsans to travel outside the state for certain medical procedures.

Mr Diri also undertook a tour of facilities at the Bayelsa Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System.

My vision for the university – VC

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, Mr Ogoina, said his vision was to transform the school into a globally recognised institution for medical education, research and innovation, driven by technology and sustainability.

He explained that the ASPIRE Agenda was being implemented through institutional teams and initiatives designed to improve academic quality, accountability, innovation and student welfare.

READ ALSO: Diri calls Duke pretender, alleges presidential ambition is bid for rehabilitation

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 also revealed 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, Mr Ogoina said the university had established a virtual reality, artificial intelligence and mixed-reality studio, expanded digital connectivity and introduced a “Talk to the VC” application to enable students and staff communicate directly and confidentially with the university leadership.

He added that the institution was strengthening simulation-based learning through its clinical skills laboratory and pursuing plans to develop a smart campus, improve internet connectivity and increase internally generated revenue.

“The BMU is 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.