University of Lagos Concludes 2025 AI & Robotics Summer Bootcamp

The University of Lagos has successfully concluded the 2025 edition of its AI & Robotics Summer Bootcamp, organized by the institution’s AI & Robotics Laboratory (AIRLAB).

The four-week programme, held from August 4 to August 29 at the Faculty of Social Sciences Design Studio, brought together 79 participants for intensive hands-on training in robotics and drone technology.

Sponsored by the Bank of Industry (BOI) and Project LEDO, the bootcamp has become a flagship initiative of the university, aimed at equipping young learners with skills in artificial intelligence, robotics, and drone technology.

At the closing ceremony, Programme Coordinator of AIRLAB and Acting Head of the Department of Computer Science, Dr. Chika Yinka-Banjo, described the initiative as a crucial platform for exposing young learners to advanced technologies while empowering them to make informed career choices.

She recalled that the programme started in 2018 as a cost-free opportunity for underprivileged students and has since expanded to attract a more diverse group of learners. Dr. Yinka-Banjo also highlighted the transformative impact of the initiative, noting that many current tutors were once students who began their tech journey at the UNILAG AI & Robotics Laboratory and have now grown into mentors, interns, and volunteers.

This year’s edition featured 54 learners in the Rev Robotics Project, split into Teams A and B, each further divided into three specialized subgroups—Design, Building, and Coding. Every subgroup worked under the supervision of dedicated tutors drawn from universities across Nigeria.

The Design Team conceptualized robots capable of picking up objects, disposing of them in a trash can, and returning to their starting points. The Building Team assembled the robotic components to meet the specifications, while the Coding Team developed the software that enabled the robots’ movements.

Among the presenters and their tutors were:

• Group A Design Team: Alabi Oluwafikayomi Allison Qamar, mentored by Mr. Aluko Emmanuel (Computer Engineering, Ekiti State University).
• Group B Design Team: Zara Allyson and Teslim Abdulraman, mentored by Oluwatobi Anuoluwapo.
• Group A Coding Team: Aderibigbe Emmanuel and Adesakin Eniola, guided by Mr. Oyetunde Ridwan (Mechanical Engineering, UNILAG).
• Group B Coding Team: Bello Samuel and Elue Ifechukwu, also tutored by Mr. Oyetunde Ridwan.
• Group B Building Team: Adesuwa Ehigue and Joseph Yinka, under the guidance of Mr. Abdullah Moradeyo (Software Engineering, Lead City University).

In addition, 25 learners received training in Drone Programming under the mentorship of Mr. Adekunle Abdulazeez. The class was split into two groups, with Group A represented by Chimchetaram Udo-Okafor, Divine Chimere-Obika, and Emmanuella Owhono, while Group B was represented by Tamilore Akintuyi, Ahmad Qosim, Abiola Alabi, and Mercy Afia. Both groups competed in a practical drone challenge to demonstrate their learning outcomes.

By the end of the bootcamp, participants successfully built two functional robots and two drones, each tested in competitive demonstrations.

The University of Lagos AIRLAB Summer Bootcamp continues to reinforce the institution’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of innovators, providing young Africans with the skills and confidence to thrive in a technology-driven world.