Bayelsa State Governor, Senator DouyeDiri, has unveiled Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered robotic tutors and other digital learning innovations at the Bayelsa Medical University (BMU), Yenagoa, as part of efforts to advance medical education, research and technological development in the state.

The Tide reports that the innovations were unveiled on Monday alongside the university’s 2025–2029 Strategic Plan, with the governor urging the institution to deploy technology to improve teaching, learning and research without replacing physical classroom interactions and the mentorship role of lecturers.

The governor described the initiative as a significant step towards modernising medical education, but stressed that digital tools must complement human instruction and make learning more interactive.

He challenged the university’s management to translate its strategic plan into measurable improvements in academic standards, research,infrastructure and the quality of graduates.

He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting BMU’s ASPIRE Agenda, which focuses on academic excellence, sustainability, partnerships and engagement, innovation and technology, research excellence, and empowerment, leadership development and welfare.

The State’s Chief Executive commended the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. DimieOgoina, and the university’s management for developing a roadmap for institutional growth, and charged them to collaborate with the state’s Ministries of Education and Health to achieve its objectives.

The Bayelsa Governor also said neurship and self-reliance.his administration was strengthening science, technical and vocational education to equip young people with practical skills for employment, entrepreneurship and self-reliance.

He expressed confidence that the science-oriented schools being established across the state would provide qualified candidates for BMU and other tertiary institutions, and help the state to produce more doctors, nurses, pharmacists, radiologists, engineers and other professionals.

He acknowledged the  late former Governor of the State, DiepreyeAlamieyeseigha, who initiated the development of the former 500-bed hospital where the university is located, and his successor, Senator Seriake Dickson, who revived the project and transformed it into the medical university.

Diri further disclosed that the university’s campus at Sampou was nearing completion and would provide additional space for its expansion.

The governor, who also inspected facilities at the newly established Bayelsa Medical University Teaching Hospital, expressed confidence in the institution’s capacity to provide advanced diagnostic services.

“The BMU Teaching hospital is equipped to conduct x-rays and advanced scans, including Computed Tomography (CT) scans, which use x-ray technology and computer processing to produce detailed images of internal body structures.

“The availability of such facilities would improve access to specialised diagnostic services and reduce the need for Bayelsans to travel outside the state for certain medical procedures”, the Governor said.Diri also undertook a tour of facilities at the Bayelsa State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System.

Earlier, the BMU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ogoina, said his vision was to transform the school into a globally recognised institution for medical education, research and innovation, driven by technology and sustainability.

He explained that the ASPIRE Agenda was being implemented through institutional teams and initiatives designed to improve academic quality, accountability, innovation and student welfare.

Prof. Ogoina disclosed that the university had secured accreditation for nine academic programmes while its nursing science students recorded a 96 per cent pass rate in their professional examinations.

He added that BMU researchers had produced more than 70 peer-reviewed publications.

He also announced that the university’s College of Medicine had attained full membership of the Consortium of Medical Schools of Africa, while BMU was selected as one of 18 medical schools in Nigeria for a high-impact intervention programme.

On digital innovation, the Vice-Chancellor said the university had established a virtual reality, artificial intelligence and mixed-reality studio, expanded digital connectivity and introduced a “Talk to the VC” application to enable students and staff to communicate directly and confidentially with the university leadership.

He added that the institution was strengthening simulation-based learning through its clinical skills laboratory and pursuing plans to develop a smart campus, improve internet connectivity and increaseinternally generated revenue.

Ogoina further stated that BMU was developing a Centre of Excellence for Digital Health and Biomedical Innovation, alongside the Niger Delta Centre of Excellence for Health, Environment and Development to address regional health and environmental challenges.

“By 2029, the university aims to become a nationally respected and internationally recognised health sciences institution distinguished by excellence in education, research, innovation, leadership and societal impact”, the VC said.

He thanked the State Governor for his support to the institution, expressing confidence that the university would build on the foundation already laid to achieve its ambitions.

Ariwera Ibibo-Howells,

Yenagoa

The Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested a 50-years-old Pastor, identified as Ambrose Mark over allegations of sexual abuse on two minors, ages 13 and 14 in Yenagoa, the state capital.

The suspect, according to the State Police Command, until his apprehension, was pastoring a church called “Point Of Redemption Church International” located in the Amarata area of Yenagoa metropolis, while the the two alleged victims were reportedly members of the church’s choir.

Further information from the State Police Command stated that the 13-years-old minor is from Abia State, while the 14-year-old is from the Ogbia Local Government Area of the State.

The Tide also gathered that the case came to the limelight after the 14-years-old girl reportedly objected to the alleged sexual advances and informed her father, a Police officer attached to the State Police Command, who subsequently reported the matter to the appropriate Police division which led to the arrest of the Pastor.

Meanwhile, inside sources alleged that the pastor had previously engaged in inappropriate relationships with underage girls, claims which the Police is still trying to unravel.

The Tide further learnt that attempts to resolve the matter through financial settlement failed after the parents of the 13-year-old minor reportedly declined to accept such an arrangement.

The incident, has since attracted condemnation from variouswomen’s rights groups that have called for a thorough investigation and the protection of the alleged victims.

The Tide also gathered that the Bayelsa State Chapter of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), through its Chairperson, Dr.BomaTonyeMiebai, and the founder of the “Do Foundation”, Dr.DiseOgbiseGoddy-Harry, confirmed the incident and condemned the alleged sexual abuse of the minors.

AriweraIbibo-Howells,

Yenagoa

The remains of Aniete Akpan, former South-South Deputy Bureau Chief of The Guardian Newspapers, were laid to rest in Ekpeneobo, Akwa Ibom State on Friday.
Akpan, who died on August 2 at the age of 63, was buried after a funeral and thanksgiving service attended by journalists, family members, friends and community leaders.
The Tide’s source reports that the service was held at the community playground in Ekpeneobo, Esit Eket Local Government Area.
The State Governor, Bassey Otu, described the deceased as a thoroughbred professional whose contributions to journalism and the state would remain indelible.
Otu, represented by his Special Adviser on Public Affairs, Mr. Nsa Gill, spoke at the funeral, highlighting Akpan’s years of professional service in Cross River.
He said the journalist, an indigene of Akwa Ibom, had lived and worked in Cross River for years, making Calabar his second home.
The Governor’ commended Akpan for upholding journalistic ethics and maintaining balance, objectivity and fairness when sensationalism was becoming increasingly common.
“His reports gave voice to the Niger Delta, projected our developmental challenges and celebrated our people.
“Cross River has lost a friend, a bridge between the state and the media, and a patriotic citizen who used his pen to promote good governance”, he said.
Otu urged the bereaved family to alists. draw comfort from Akpan’s enduring legacy, which he said would continue to inspire younger journalists.
He also prayed for strength for the family to bear the loss.
Similarly, the President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr Alhassan Abdullahi, described Akpan’s death as a painful loss to the journalism profession.
Abdullahi, represented by the Chairman of the NUJ Cross River Council, Mr. Archibong Bassey, said the deceased was a dedicated professional committed to information dissemination.
He said Akpan’s dedication to keeping the public informed remained an important part of his professional legacy.
In his sermon, Pastor Tunde Olaghende of Living Faith e positive legacies.

Church, Akwa Ibom State, urged Christians to live meaningful lives and leave positive legacies.
Olaghende encouraged people to be remembered for their good deeds, stressing the importance of making meaningful contributions to society while alive.
A former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Commissioner, Mr. Aniedi Ikoiwak, also described Akpan as a balanced reporter whose objectivity earned him widespread respect.
Some of Akpan’s former secondary school classmates recalled their lifelong friendship with him, praising his humility and professionalism.
Akpan retired from The Guardian Newspapers before establishing his own media platform. He was based in Calabar until his death.