YabaTech to Host 2026 NBTE-NCCE National AI and Machine Learning Conference

Yaba College of Technology has been selected as the host institution for the 2026 edition of the NBTE-NCCE-MOC National Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Conference, Seminar, and Hands-on Training scheduled to hold from June 22 to June 26, 2026.

The conference is part of a broader initiative by the National Board for Technical Education and the National Commission for Colleges of Education aimed at strengthening artificial intelligence, machine learning, and interdisciplinary research capacity across Nigeria and Ethiopia.

Organisers disclosed that the programme is built around a decentralised Linux Apache2-powered framework created to stream real-time research models developed by lecturers directly into classrooms. The initiative is expected to promote practical learning and implementation-driven teaching instead of the traditional theory-based approach.

The 2026 conference will be held under the theme, “Large-Dataset Morphological Erosion, Dilation, and 3D Structural Analysis for AI/ML Applications on the Linux Platform.”

The event is expected to attract lecturers, researchers, education policymakers, software developers, and technology experts from different institutions in Nigeria and Ethiopia.

Participants will engage in live technical sessions, practical demonstrations, and intensive hands-on training focused on open-source AI and machine learning simulator systems. The sessions are designed to support real-time experimentation, research validation, and classroom deployment of AI technologies.

The training programme will be led by Dr. Mfon Okpok, a United States-based interdisciplinary engineer and artificial intelligence researcher who plays a major role in the NBTE/NCCE national AI and machine learning initiative.

Dr. Okpok earned a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Engineering from Kennesaw State University and also holds advanced qualifications in applied mathematics, electrical engineering technology, information technology, software engineering, and computer science.

With nearly 20 years of industry experience, he has worked with multinational organisations including Cisco Systems and Warner Bros. Discovery, where he managed engineering systems, broadcast infrastructure, and complex technology platforms.

One of the major highlights of the conference will be the unveiling of what organisers described as Nigeria’s first decentralised Linux-based AI and machine learning simulator platform. The project was jointly developed by NBTE and NCCE over the last two years.

According to organisers, the platform was designed to host and stream AI-powered research models created by lecturers in Nigeria and Ethiopia. The system will support real-time classroom demonstrations, experimentation, and the development of a national AI and machine learning research ecosystem.

The AI/ML simulator platform has already undergone pilot testing in selected institutions, including Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka, Federal College of Education, Zuba, College of Education, Afaha Nsit, and Hawassa University Institute of Technology.

Stakeholders noted that YabaTech was chosen as host due to its early adoption and strong performance in the national AI and machine learning programme introduced in 2024.

The Executive Secretary of NBTE, Prof. Idris Bugaje, commended the institution’s leadership and praised the Rector, Ibraheem Adedotun Abdul, for sustaining innovation, research growth, and academic excellence within the institution.

Organisers added that the conference is expected to deepen Nigeria’s capacity for AI-driven education, digital research, and technological innovation as tertiary institutions continue to embrace decentralised and research-oriented learning systems powered by open-source technologies.