The Federal Government has introduced an Artificial Intelligence (AI) training program aimed at equipping 6,000 selected senior secondary school teachers from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Organized by the National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC), this initiative intends to incorporate AI into the educational framework, improving teaching methodologies and empowering educators to better prepare students for a technology-centric future.
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The training program was inaugurated during a flag-off ceremony in Abuja, where the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, emphasized the milestone’s importance in collectively advancing the necessary skills for teachers to navigate the swift advancements in technology. “The world is undergoing a technological revolution, with Artificial Intelligence at its forefront. AI has transitioned from a concept of the future to a modern-day reality, reshaping industries, economies, and societies,” he stated.
Dr. Alausa stressed the necessity for educators to adapt to these changes to prevent the education sector from falling behind. He noted that integrating AI into teaching presents unparalleled opportunities to enrich learning experiences, tailor education to individual needs, and cultivate critical thinking skills. “Our objective is to equip students for careers in a technology-driven world where AI proficiency will become as essential as fundamental literacy skills.”
The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmed, reiterated that as the global landscape shifts rapidly towards digitalization, Nigeria cannot afford to lag. She highlighted the potential of AI to enhance teaching and learning, ensuring students are adequately prepared for international opportunities.
Represented by her special assistant on technical matters, Dr. Clara Ujam, Ahmed stated that the current administration, under President Bola Tinubu, places high priority on educational reforms to prepare Nigerian students with 21st-century skills. “The AI in Pedagogy training is a core element of these reforms,” she remarked, urging teachers to fully embrace the training and apply their newfound knowledge to enrich their classrooms.
Dr. Iyela Ajayi, the Executive Secretary of NSSEC, called the announcement of the Developed Minimum Standards for Senior Secondary Education and the commencement of the online AI training sponsored by Google a crucial step towards educational excellence, aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda for Nigeria’s education system. “Education is not merely a means to personal success but the foundation for a prosperous and fair society,” he affirmed.
Ajayi highlighted that the virtual training program backed by Google Research and assisted by Data Science Nigeria and Olabisi Onabanjo University aims to bolster AI teaching skills among senior secondary teachers nationwide. The program consists of five modules and is expected to run for five weeks.