University of Klagenfurt develops Master of Artificial Intelligence for universities in Nigeria

The Department of Networked and Embedded Systems at the University of Klagenfurt is working with EU partner institutions to develop a Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence for universities in Nigeria as part of an EU-funded “EmbeddedAI” project.

For years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been at the top of the technology must-watch list for evolving trends and applications. With the ability to build smart machines that simulate human intelligence, the implications for technological advancement across numerous sectors are endless. Over the past several years, an important shift has occurred from cloud-level to device-level processing of artificial intelligence tasks, data and results. Embedded AI is one direct consequence of the shift to edge computing. Embedded Artificial Intelligence (AI) applies machine and deep learning in software at the device level. The use and application of embedded AI are vast, as seen in automating processes, providing advanced analytics and business insights, and improving customer service, among numerous other benefits. The application of Embedded AI cuts across several industries such as agriculture, aviation, finance, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, shipping, and supply chain.

The embedded AI skillset is particularly useful for promoting entrepreneurship where young people are equipped with the complete competence to realise new products that utilise artificial intelligence as digitalisation is identified as the most extended and significant technological development in all sectors of the Nigerian economy. Embedded AI will allow Nigerian HEIs, industries, and entrepreneurs to utilise data to facilitate economic growth.

 

The overall objective of EmbeddedAI is to establish an international Master of Science program in the field of embedded Artificial Intelligence with key specialisation in embedded systems and a strong emphasis on industrial involvement, which includes application domains for agriculture, healthcare, telecommunication, and manufacturing. It includes establishing a corresponding curriculum with well-defined rules for admission, evaluation, teaching methodologies, certification awarding and accreditation. EmbeddedAI is designed to equip Nigerian students with the latest digital trends, improving employability and entrepreneurship. Also, EmbeddedAI will help Nigerian HEs engage with various EU HEs and cultural backgrounds to promote globalisation and technology growth based on their preferences and expectations.

EmbeddedAI addresses unemployment and boosts international collaboration for the Nigerian universities (University of Port Harcourt (UPH), University of Abuja (UoA), Michael Okapra University of Agriculture Umudike (MOU), Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATB), and Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) ) with EU partner institutions University of Siegen (USI), Kungliga Tekniska Högskolan (KTH), Alpen-Adria-Universität Klagenfurt (AAU). In addition, EmbeddedAI aims to use AI and related technologies as an opportunity to create and reinforce diversity. The key to this will be to facilitate and promote the skills development of diverse people and make concerted efforts to level the playing field for women and other minorities in the industry.

More information on the project “EmbeddedAI”