Federal Government Launches National Robotics Training Program in 20 Universities

The Federal Ministry of Education has rolled out the National Robotics and Automation Training Program, a 12 billion naira initiative targeting 20 federal and state universities across Nigeria. The program aims to produce 5,000 robotics-ready graduates annually by 2030, addressing a critical skills gap that has left African industries dependent on imported automation expertise.

Each participating university will receive a robotics innovation hub equipped with 3D printers, programmable robotic arms, drone assembly kits, and simulation software. The curriculum, developed in collaboration with MIT Open Learning initiative and local industry partners, spans industrial automation, agricultural robotics, healthcare assistive devices, and autonomous systems.

We cannot afford to be consumers of technology forever, said Minister of Education Dr. Ngozi Alabi at the launch event in Abuja. This program puts the tools of creation into the hands of our young people. The robots that will build our factories, farm our fields, and care for our elderly should be designed here, by Nigerians.

The first cohort of 1,200 students has already begun training at hubs in UNILAG, ABU Zaria, UI, FUTO, and Covenant University. Student teams are already prototyping solutions, including an autonomous irrigation drone for smallholder farmers and a robotic prosthetic hand priced at under 50,000 naira.