Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has unveiled artificial intelligence (AI)-powered robotic tutors and other digital learning innovations at Bayelsa Medical University (BMU), Yenagoa, as part of efforts to modernise medical education and strengthen research.
The innovations were unveiled on Monday alongside the university’s 2025–2029 Strategic Plan.
The governor said that the introduction of the technology marked a step towards improving teaching, learning and research, stressing that digital tools should complement, rather than replace, human instruction and physical classroom interactions.
Diri urged the university management to deploy the innovations to make learning more interactive while preserving the mentorship role of lecturers.
The governor also challenged the institution to translate its strategic plan into measurable improvements in academic standards, research, infrastructure and graduate quality.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the university’s ASPIRE Agenda, which focuses on academic excellence, sustainability, partnerships and engagement, innovation and technology, and research excellence.
While commending the Vice-Chancellor, Dimie Ogoina, and the university management for developing a roadmap for institutional growth, the governor urged them to work with the state ministries of education and health to achieve the plan’s objectives.
The governor stated that his administration was strengthening science, technical and vocational education to equip young people with practical skills for employment, entrepreneurship and self-reliance.
Governor Diri, who expressed optimism that the science-oriented schools being established across the state would provide qualified candidates for BMU and other tertiary institutions, said that the development would help increase the supply of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, radiologists, engineers and other professionals.
The governor acknowledged the sacrifices and contributions of his predecessors to the varsity, recalling that while Diepreye Alamieyeseigha initiated the development of the former 500-bed hospital where the institution is located, Seriake Dickson revived the project and transformed it into a medical university.
He disclosed that the university’s campus at Sampou was nearing completion, adding that the facility would provide additional space for expansion.
As part of his visit, the governor inspected facilities at the newly established Bayelsa Medical University Teaching Hospital, expressing confidence in its capacity to provide advanced diagnostic services.
He said that the hospital had facilities for x-ray and advanced imaging procedures, including computed tomography scans, which could help improve access to specialised diagnostic services within the state.
He noted that the availability of such facilities would reduce the need for residents to travel outside Bayelsa for certain medical procedures.
Diri also toured facilities at the Bayelsa Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor said his vision was to develop BMU into a globally recognised institution for medical education, research and innovation, driven by technology and sustainability.
He also explained that the ASPIRE Agenda was being implemented through institutional teams and initiatives aimed at improving academic quality, accountability, innovation and student welfare.
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.
