PTI Collaborates With Faith Leads University To Advance AI Skills For The Future

To foster this passion, the Petroleum Training Institute’s Linkages, Exchange, and Partnerships (LEP) unit organises a webinar training series known as the Industry Academia Linkage (IAL) Webinar Series. Dr. (Mrs.) Sarah A. Nwinee, Head of the LEP unit at PTI, stated that the IAL webinar series uses the Triple Helix Model to foster innovation in training, research, and consultancy at the Institute. She also stated that the IAL webinar series provides a platform for Subject Matter Experts from the industry to train institute staff, allowing them to learn about current industry trends.

Dr. Nwinee stated that the 6th edition of the IAL webinar series, held on August 29, 2024, was hosted in collaboration with Faith Leads University (FLU) in St. Petersburg, Florida, USA, with the goal of training both staff and students in Artificial Intelligence (AI), thereby empowering them with the necessary AI skills to excel in the future. She went on to say that the collaboration between PTI and FLU Florida to host this webinar is a significant step in fostering the Institute’s drive to develop the long-term skills needed to provide solutions to industry challenges. The webinar’s lead speaker was Dr. Paul Okatahi, Vice President and Founder of Faith Leads University. Dr. Okatahi’s presentation, titled “Developing Essential AI Skills for the Future,” looked at the transformative impact of AI on various sectors of the economy and how educational institutions like PTI can tailor their programs to meet industry demands.

Dr. Okatahi emphasised the importance of approaching artificial intelligence with a beginner’s mindset. He referred to AI as “mathematics and data,” emphasising its ability to help people solve real-world problems creatively. He stated that Generative AI provides solutions in a variety of areas of life, including robotics and medical advances. He also discussed several AI-powered innovations, such as self-driving cars, drones, and even robotic bodyguards. He spoke about the growing demand for AI skills in areas such as mechatronics, machine learning, and neural networks. Dr. Okatahi addressed the limitations of AI, stating that, unlike humans, AI lacks common sense, emotions, and the ability to differentiate between genders and ages. He did, however, assure the audience that AI is evolving and that the challenges are not insurmountable. He emphasised the value of quality data and ethical considerations in AI development.

The session concluded with a quiz set by Dr. Okatahi, after which he announced that the 12 participants who performed well on the quiz would receive the Faith Leads University Google Scholarship worth more than $300.The scholarship will allow them to enrol in and study any of the following high-demand tech industry certificate programs for three months: cyber security, data analytics, digital marketing and e-commerce, project management, user experience design, and IT support.

Ihuaku Ugwu, HR Manager at SLB (formerly Schlumberger) Land & Rigs in Houston, Texas, USA, delivered a message of goodwill. Ihuaku’s goodwill message emphasised AI’s ability to empower individuals and broaden their academic and professional horizons. She stated, “AI is no longer a futuristic concept; it is a critical component of industries ranging from energy to finance.” She emphasised the importance of participants remaining curious and passionate about learning artificial intelligence.

Mrs Florence Jumbo, Deputy Director, Human Resources Development, delivered a vote of thanks on behalf of the Registrar, which concluded the event. She thanked Dr. Paul Okatahi and Ihuaku Ugwu for their valuable contributions and Dr. (Mrs) Sarah A. Nwinee and her team for organising the webinar. Africa. He is committed to ensuring that both staff and students at the Institute gain practical knowledge in order to remain competitive and relevant in the global market.

To foster this passion, the Petroleum Training Institute’s Linkages, Exchange, and Partnerships (LEP) unit organised a webinar training series known as the Industry Academia Linkage (IAL) Webinar Series.

Dr. (Mrs.) Sarah A. Nwinee, Head of the LEP unit of PTI, stated that the IAL webinar series uses the Triple Helix Model to promote innovation in training, research, and consultancy within the Institute. She also stated that the IAL webinar series provides a platform for Subject Matter Experts from the industry to train institute staff, allowing them to learn about current industry trends.

Dr. Nwinee stated that the 6th edition of the IAL webinar series, held on August 29, 2024, was hosted in collaboration with Faith Leads University (FLU) in St. Petersburg, Florida, USA, with the goal of training both staff and students in Artificial Intelligence (AI), thereby empowering them with the necessary AI skills to excel in the future.

 She went on to say that the collaboration between PTI and FLU Florida to host this webinar is a significant step in fostering the Institute’s drive to develop the long-term skills needed to provide solutions to industry challenges.

The webinar’s lead speaker was Dr. Paul Okatahi, Vice President and Founder of Faith Leads University.Dr. Okatahi’s presentation, titled “Developing Essential AI Skills for the Future,” looked at the transformative impact of AI on various sectors of the economy and how educational institutions like PTI can tailor their programs to meet industry demands.

Dr. Okatahi emphasised the importance of approaching artificial intelligence with a beginner’s mindset. He referred to AI as “mathematics and data,” emphasising its ability to help people solve real-world problems creatively. He stated that Generative AI provides solutions in a variety of areas of life, including robotics and medical advances.

He also discussed several AI-powered innovations, such as self-driving cars, drones, and even robotic bodyguards. He spoke about the growing demand for AI skills in areas such as mechatronics, machine learning, and neural networks.

 Dr. Okatahi addressed the limitations of AI, stating that, unlike humans, AI lacks common sense, emotions, and the ability to differentiate between genders and ages. He did, however, assure the audience that AI is evolving and that the challenges are not insurmountable. He emphasised the value of quality data and ethical considerations in AI development.

The session concluded with a quiz set by Dr. Okatahi, after which he announced that the 12 participants who performed well on the quiz would receive the Faith Leads University Google Scholarship worth more than $300.The scholarship will allow them to enrol in and study any of the following high-demand tech industry certificate programs for three months: cyber security, data analytics, digital marketing and e-commerce, project management, user experience design, and IT support.

Ihuaku Ugwu, HR Manager at SLB (formerly Schlumberger) Land & Rigs in Houston, Texas, USA, delivered a message of goodwill. Ihuaku’s goodwill message emphasised AI’s ability to empower individuals and broaden their academic and professional horizons. She stated, “AI is no longer a futuristic concept; it is a critical component of industries ranging from energy to finance.” She emphasised the importance of participants remaining curious and passionate about learning artificial intelligence.

Mrs Florence Jumbo, Deputy Director, Human Resources Development, delivered a vote of thanks on behalf of the Registrar, which concluded the event. The institute thanks Drs. Paul Okatahi and Ihuaku Ugwu for their valuable contributions, as well as Dr. Sarah A. Nwinee and her team for organising the webinar.