Academy For Artificial Intelligence Rolls Out July

A new academy for Artificial Intelligence is ready to roll out next month, aiming to bridge the yawning gap in AI knowledge and application in the southern hemisphere.

The Bloom Academy for Artificial Intelligence (BAFAI), may be the needed bridge to take Information Communication (ICT) enthusiasts from their current level to one of professional competence in AI application.

In a statement on Friday, the Founder of BAFAI, Dr Lola Olukuewu, said the academy’s launch represents a deliberate effort to reposition the global south as a contributor, not just a consumer, of cutting-edge technology.

“For so long, the global south has faced layered challenges at the table where the future is being designed. With BAFAI, we are helping to change that narrative,” she said.

“We are not just teaching AI; we are enabling many to think, learn and create in a manner that aligns with the unprecedented pace of global change”, she added.

According to Olukuewu, the academy is structured more as a social impact initiative than a commercial venture.

“Our courses are delivered by seasoned professionals, and we have the honour of involving senior industry experts to share practical experience with learners.

“We also run mentorship sessions for more intensive modules and teach soft skills to boost our learners’ competitiveness in the professional space,” she said.

With over two decades of multi-industry experience, Olukuewu is optimistic that the Academy for Artificial Intelligence would work towards enhancing access to world-class AI education, reduce the risk of job displacement due to technological disruption, and promote ethical innovation across Africa and other underserved regions.

Speaking on the curriculum, she stated that “We built in substantial value for a stipend so that learners can gain elite-level training without facing financial exclusion.”

With profitable AI education, sustainable career up-skilling, and practical reorientation for success in AI-integrated roles, as key pillar, The Academy for Artificial Intelligence   will flag off with two courses thus: Certificate in AI Fundamentals and Certificate in AI Task Management.

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“Artificial intelligence belongs on the list of critical technologies shaping our world. But if it’s going to serve everyone, then everyone must have the chance to shape it,” she said.

“At BAFAI, we are training builders, not just users; visionaries, not just consumers” she added, against the background that high performing participants have a chance of taking their skills higher elesehre around the world.

This is because they would be linked with BAFAI’s recruitment partners for internships and job placements, in addition to AI tools that would come at their disposal.