The Federal Government has launched an Artificial Intelligence (AI) training program for 6,000 senior secondary school teachers across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The initiative, spearheaded by the National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC), aims to integrate AI into education, enhancing teaching methods and equipping educators with the skills needed to prepare students for a technology-driven world.
At the official launch of the training and the unveiling of the Minimum Standards for Senior Secondary Education in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, emphasized the importance of equipping teachers for the evolving digital landscape.
“The world is experiencing a technological revolution, with AI at its core. It is no longer a futuristic idea but a present reality, transforming industries, economies, and societies. As educators, we must embrace this change to ensure our education sector keeps pace.
AI integration into pedagogy provides an opportunity to personalize learning, enhance critical thinking, and prepare students for AI-driven careers,” he stated.
The minimum standards, developed through extensive stakeholder collaboration and approved by the National Council on Education, will serve as a framework to ensure consistency, accountability, and measurable improvement in Nigeria’s senior secondary education.
Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmed, represented by her Special Assistant on Technical Matters, Dr. Clara Ujam, highlighted the importance of adapting to digital advancements. She noted that President Bola Tinubu’s administration prioritizes education reforms, ensuring Nigerian students acquire 21st-century skills.
“The AI in Pedagogy training is a critical part of these reforms, ensuring our teachers are equipped to deliver innovative, technology-driven education.
Teachers play a central role in this transformation, and the knowledge gained from this training will directly impact students, preparing them for a world where digital and AI skills are essential,” she stated.
Dr. Iyela Ajayi, Executive Secretary of NSSEC, described the initiative as a pivotal step in advancing education under the *Renewed Hope Agenda*.
The virtual training program, sponsored by Google Research and supported by Data Science Nigeria and Olabisi Onabanjo University, will run for five weeks, covering five modules designed to enhance AI-related teaching skills.
Ajayi also introduced the Minimum Standards for Senior Secondary Education, focusing on curriculum development, teacher qualifications, infrastructure, quality assurance, governance, research, and stakeholder engagement. Schools have been given nine months to implement these standards.
He called on state governments, school administrators, and private sector partners to support the initiative by investing in infrastructure, teacher training, and student welfare, ensuring Nigeria’s education system remains competitive in the digital era.
