By Abigail Mbah
Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri on Monday unveiled an artificial intelligence-powered robotic tutor at the Bayelsa Medical University (BMU) in Yenagoa, marking a notable step in the use of robotics and AI for medical education in Nigeria.
The robot, named Funowei, is designed to support digital learning and assist with medical and clinical training. It was inaugurated alongside the university’s 2025–2029 Strategic Plan, known as ASPIRE.
Diri described the move as an important development for improving medical education while cautioning that technology must not displace traditional teaching. “Technology should complement physical classroom interactions, not replace them. The mentorship role of lecturers remains essential to the development of our students,” he said.
The governor challenged the university’s management to turn the strategic plan into measurable gains in academic standards, research output, infrastructure and the quality of graduates.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Dimie Ogoina said BMU has set up a virtual reality, artificial intelligence and mixed-reality studio to give students access to modern learning tools and strengthen practical training. Some of the digital assets unveiled were developed in-house by the university.
The initiative forms part of a wider push to expand simulation-based learning through a clinical skills laboratory, improve campus connectivity and build capacity in digital health and biomedical innovation. BMU aims to position itself as a nationally and internationally recognised health sciences university by 2029.
The introduction of Funowei places the institution among a growing number of Nigerian universities exploring AI and immersive technologies to support teaching in fields that demand strong practical skills and clinical judgement. Officials noted that such tools are intended to enhance, rather than substitute for, supervised clinical practice and human instruction.