The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched an Artificial Intelligence (AI) training program aimed at empowering 6,000 senior secondary school teachers across the nation’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This groundbreaking initiative, spearheaded by the National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC), seeks to integrate AI into the country’s educational framework, modernizing teaching methods and equipping educators with the tools to prepare students for a fast-evolving, technology-driven world.
The program was officially unveiled during a ceremony in Abuja on Tuesday, which also marked the launch of the Minimum Standards for Senior Secondary Education. The event underscored the government’s commitment to aligning Nigeria’s education sector with global technological advancements, ensuring that both teachers and students are ready to thrive in the digital age.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, described the initiative as a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s educational journey. “The world is undergoing a technological revolution, and Artificial Intelligence is at its core,” he said. “AI is no longer a futuristic concept but a present-day reality, transforming industries, economies, and societies.”
Dr. Alausa emphasized the need for educators to embrace this shift, noting that integrating AI into teaching practices offers a unique opportunity to enhance learning experiences, personalize education, and foster critical thinking among students. “Our goal is to prepare them for careers in a technology-driven world, where AI literacy will be as fundamental as reading and writing,” he added.
The Minister also highlighted the newly unveiled Minimum Standards for Senior Secondary Education, a comprehensive document developed by NSSEC in collaboration with stakeholders and approved by the National Council on Education. This framework is designed to ensure consistency, accountability, and measurable progress in senior secondary schools nationwide, serving as a blueprint for educational excellence.
Positioning Nigeria for a Digital Future
The Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmed, echoed Dr. Alausa’s sentiments, stressing the urgency of preparing Nigeria for a rapidly advancing digital landscape. Represented by her Special Assistant on Technical Matters, Dr. Clara Ujam, Professor Ahmed noted that the world is moving toward a future where digital proficiency is non-negotiable. “Nigeria must not be left behind,” she asserted.
She explained that introducing AI into the education system would revolutionize teaching methodologies and enrich learning experiences, positioning Nigerian students to seize global opportunities. Under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, the Ministry of Education has prioritized reforms to equip students with 21st-century skills, with AI in Pedagogy training forming a critical part of this agenda. “To our dedicated teachers, you are at the center of this transformation,” Professor Ahmed said, urging them to fully embrace the training and apply their new skills to enhance classroom experiences.
A Collaborative Effort for Educational Excellence
Dr. Iyela Ajayi, the Executive Secretary of NSSEC, described the dual launch of the AI training program and the Minimum Standards as a defining moment in Nigeria’s pursuit of educational excellence. “As we embark on this journey of national renewal under the visionary leadership of President Bola Tinubu, we must recognize that education is not merely a tool for individual advancement, but the cornerstone of a prosperous and equitable society,” he said.
The virtual AI in Pedagogy training, sponsored by Google Research and supported by Data Science Nigeria and Olabisi Onabanjo University in Ogun State, is designed to enhance teachers’ AI pedagogical skills. Spanning five weeks and delivered across five modules, the program targets educators from all 36 states and the FCT. Dr. Ajayi emphasized that this initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda, which places education at the heart of national development.
Meanwhile, the NSSEC continues to play a vital role in repositioning senior secondary education through capacity building, provision of instructional resources, and the establishment of the Minimum Standards. “The senior secondary level plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of our young ones, preparing them for higher education, employment, and lifelong skills,” Dr. Ajayi noted.
Empowering Teachers, Inspiring Students
The AI training program is more than just a technological upgrade it’s a transformative step toward empowering educators to inspire the next generation. By equipping teachers with AI skills, the Federal Government aims to create a ripple effect that will benefit students, schools, and society at large. As Dr. Alausa put it, “The knowledge and expertise you acquire through this training will prepare our students for a world where digital and AI skills are indispensable.”
With 6,000 teachers set to participate, the initiative promises to bridge the gap between traditional education and the demands of the modern world. As Nigeria takes this bold step forward, the integration of AI into classrooms signals a brighter, more innovative future for the nation’s education system, one where students are not just learners, but creators and leaders in a global digital economy.
