The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched an Artificial Intelligence (AI) training program to equip 6,000 senior secondary school teachers across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. This initiative, spearheaded by the National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC), aims to integrate AI into the educational system, enhance teaching methods, and prepare students for a technology-driven future.
A Milestone in Nigeria’s Education Sector
At the official flag-off ceremony held in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, described the initiative as a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s commitment to equipping teachers with 21st-century skills.
“The world is undergoing a technological revolution, and Artificial Intelligence is at its core. AI is no longer a futuristic concept but a present-day reality, transforming industries, economies, and societies,” Dr. Alausa stated.
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He emphasized that embracing AI in education would revolutionize learning experiences, personalize education, and develop critical thinking skills among students.
“Our goal is to prepare students for careers in a technology-driven world, where AI literacy will be as fundamental as reading and writing,” he added.
Additionally, the event featured the unveiling of the Minimum Standards for Senior Secondary Education, a framework developed by NSSEC through extensive collaboration with stakeholders. This document serves as a blueprint to ensure high-quality education standards across Nigeria.
AI in Pedagogy: A Step Towards a Digital Future
The Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmed, reiterated the importance of AI integration in Nigeria’s education system, stating that the country must keep pace with global technological advancements. Represented by her Special Assistant on Technical Matters, Dr. Clara Ujam, she highlighted that AI in Pedagogy training is a vital component of the education reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“To our dedicated teachers, you are at the center of this transformation. The knowledge and expertise you acquire through this training will have a ripple effect on our students, preparing them for a world where digital and AI skills are indispensable,” she said.
Google-Sponsored Virtual AI Training
The executive secretary of NSSEC, Dr. Iyela Ajayi, described the initiative as a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s pursuit of educational excellence. He noted that the training is part of the Renewed Hope Agenda for the nation’s education system.
The AI training program, sponsored by Google Research and supported by Data Science Nigeria and Olabisi Onabanjo University, is designed to enhance the pedagogical skills of senior secondary school teachers. The training consists of five modules and will run for five weeks.
Dr. Ajayi further emphasized that NSSEC is committed to repositioning senior secondary education through interventions such as teacher capacity building and the provision of instructional resources.
A Future-Ready Education System
This initiative underscores the government’s recognition of education as the foundation of national development. By equipping teachers with AI skills, Nigeria is taking a crucial step towards fostering a knowledge-based economy where students are prepared for higher education, employment, and lifelong learning in an increasingly digital world.
With this program, the Federal Government reaffirms its commitment to leveraging AI for educational transformation, ensuring that Nigerian students are not left behind in the global digital revolution.
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