Artificial Intelligence Meets Aquaculture at Offa: Summit University Collaborates with Atom College of Fisheries and Agricultural Technology for Aqua
In recent years, the fusion of technology and agriculture has given rise to ground breaking innovations. The aquaculture industry is no exception to this transformative wave, with Artificial Intelligence (AI) taking the lead in reshaping its future. There is a growing demand for women to play a pivotal role in this revolution, thus the idea behind Artificial Intelligence for Women in Aquaculture (AI4WA).
Summit University, Offa, in collaboration with Atom College of Fisheries and Agricultural Technology, Offa, is poised to create an inclusive environment within the rapidly expanding aquaculture industry. This partnership aims to attract a diverse talent pool, driving economic growth through innovative AI-driven solutions in Aquaculture, marking the birth of AquaAI.
Both institutions are strategically positioned to meet the surging global demand for seafood by producing graduates skilled in AI applications for aquaculture. Summit University is dedicated to nurturing AI-savvy professionals, while Atom College specializes in Aquaculture expertise. Together, they are poised to collaborate and produce experts in Aquaculture with a profound understanding of Artificial Intelligence.
This collaboration, funded by Gender Responsive Artificial Intelligence Network (GRAIN) as part of the Artificial Intelligence in Aquaculture initiative, seeks to introduce AI into aquaculture within the Sub-Saharan Africa space. The primary goal of the GRAIN-funded project is to encourage more women to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields by actively involving them in AI-driven aquaculture research. This effort aims to break down gender barriers and inspire the next generation of female scientists and technologists into the field of Aquaculture Space.
Beyond promoting gender equality, this partnership is committed to pioneering research in Offa and offers skills development and certificate courses in AquaTech and AquaAI. AI enables precise monitoring of aquatic ecosystems, fish health, and feeding processes, leading to improved sustainability and efficiency in aquaculture practices. Hence, the need for strategic collaboration, as both institutions are poised to disrupt the aquaculture ecosystem with their diverse perspectives and innovations.
During a visit to Atom College, Prof. A. M. Aibinu, the principal investigator and the Vice-Chancellor of the University emphasized that AI will play a pivotal role in making aquaculture more sustainable by optimizing resource usage and minimizing environmental impact. He further highlighted that universities at the forefront of AI in aquaculture have the opportunity to lead the development of eco-friendly aquaculture solutions, attracting environmentally conscious students and researchers, further enhancing the industry’s sustainability.
During the visit, the co-investigator, Mrs. Mutiat Muhammed, emphasized during the visit that embracing AI integration in aquaculture with a focus on women positions institutions to gain numerous advantages. Their contributions to diversity, inclusion, sustainability, and innovation in the aquaculture sector are pivotal for a more equitable and prosperous future. Alh. Tajudeen Ajibola, the proprietor of Atom College, confirmed that the collaboration is a testament to the commitment of both institutions to drive positive change in the industry. Other members of the AI4WA team in the visit to Atom College include Nafisat Lawal, Maryam Afolabi, Malik Ige and Salawudeen Aminah.
