GOV DIRI UNVEILS ROBOTIC TUTORS AT BAYELSA MEDICAL UNIVERSITY
By Chris Mark
Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has unveiled Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered robotic tutors and other digital learning innovations at the Bayelsa Medical University (BMU), Yenagoa, as part of efforts to advance medical education, research and technological development in the state.
The innovations were unveiled on Monday alongside the university’s 2025–2029 Strategic Plan, with the governor urging the institution to deploy technology to enhance teaching, learning and research without replacing physical classroom interactions and the mentorship role of lecturers.
Governor Diri described the initiative as a significant step towards modernizing medical education, but stressed that digital tools must complement human instruction and make learning more interactive.
He challenged the university management to translate its strategic plan into measurable improvements in academic standards, research output, infrastructure and 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, Research Excellence, and Empowerment, Leadership Development and Welfare.
He commended the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dimie Ogoina, and the university management for developing a roadmap for institutional growth, and charged them to collaborate with the Ministries of Education and Health to achieve its objectives.
Governor Diri also 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, thereby helping the state to produce more doctors, nurses, pharmacists, radiologists, engineers and other professionals.
He acknowledged the contributions of the late Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, who initiated the development of the former 500-bed hospital where the university is now located, and his successor, Senator Seriake Dickson, who revived the project and transformed it into a medical university.
Governor Diri further disclosed that the university’s campus at Sampou is nearing completion and would provide additional space for its expansion.
The governor, who also inspected facilities at the newly established Bayelsa Medical University Teaching Hospital, expressed confidence in the institution’s capacity to provide advanced diagnostic services.
He said the teaching hospital is 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.
According to him, the availability of such facilities would improve access to specialized diagnostic services and reduce the need for Bayelsans to travel outside the state for certain medical procedures.
He also undertook a tour of facilities at the Bayelsa State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (BEMSAS).
Earlier, the BMU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dimie Ogoina, said his vision is to transform the institution into a globally recognized centre for medical education, research and innovation, driven by technology and sustainability.
He explained that the ASPIRE Agenda is being implemented through institutional teams and initiatives designed to improve academic quality, accountability, innovation and student welfare.
Prof. Ogoina disclosed that the university has secured accreditation for nine academic programmes, while its nursing science students recorded a 96 percent pass rate in their professional examinations. He added that BMU researchers have produced more than 70 peer-reviewed publications.
He also announced that the university’s College of Medicine has attained full membership of the Consortium of Medical Schools in Africa, while BMU was selected as one of 18 medical schools in Nigeria for a high-impact intervention programme.
On digital innovation, the Vice-Chancellor said the university has 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 to communicate directly and confidentially with the university leadership.
He added that the institution is strengthening simulation-based learning through its clinical skills laboratory and is pursuing plans to develop a smart campus, improve internet connectivity and increase internally generated revenue.
Prof. Ogoina further stated that 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 by 2029, the university aims to become a nationally respected and internationally recognized health sciences institution distinguished by excellence in education, research, innovation, leadership and societal impact.
He thanked Governor Diri for his continued support to the institution and expressed confidence that the university would build on the foundation already laid to achieve its ambitions.
