Alausa flags-off AI training for 6,000 Nigeria senior school teachers  

Olatunji Alausa, the minister of education has flagged off an Artificial Intelligence (AI) training programme to upskill 6,000 selected senior secondary school teachers across the federation.

Alausa speaking at the flag-off and the launching of the minimum standards for senior secondary education in Abuja on Tuesday, said the programme is a landmark in its collective commitment to equipping teachers with the skills necessary to prepare students for the rapidly evolving digital age.

“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.

As educators, we must embrace this evolution and ensure our education sector is not left behind. The integration of AI into pedagogy offers an unprecedented opportunity to enhance learning experiences, personalise education, and develop critical thinking skills among our 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 said.

The minister further disclosed that the document, which was developed by NSSEC through extensive collaboration with stakeholders and approved by the National Council on Education, will serve as a guiding framework to ensure that senior secondary education across Nigeria adheres to high-quality standards.

“It is our blueprint for ensuring consistency, accountability, and measurable improvement in our education sector,” he noted.

According to the National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC), the organisers, the scheme seeks to integrate AI into the educational system, enhancing teaching methods and empowering educators with the skills to prepare students for a technology-driven future.

Suwaiba Ahmed, minister of state for education, said the world is moving rapidly towards a digital future, and Nigeria must not be left behind.

Ahmed explained that the introduction of AI into Nigeria’s education system will enhance both teaching methodologies and learning experiences, ensuring that students are better prepared for global opportunities.

The minister of state represented at the event by Clara Ujam, the special assistant to the minister on technical matters, said the ministry of education, under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, has placed a high premium on education reforms aimed at ensuring that students are equipped with 21st-century skills.

“The AI in Pedagogy training is a vital component of these reforms, ensuring our teachers acquire the necessary skills to facilitate innovative and technologically-driven education.

“To our dedicated teachers, you are at the centre 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. I encourage you to embrace this opportunity fully and apply the knowledge gained to enrich classroom experiences,” she said.

Iyela Ajayi, the executive secretary of NSEEC, speaking at the occasion, said the official unveiling of the developed minimum standards for senior secondary education and flag-off of an online Google-sponsored AI in pedagogy training of 6,000 secondary school teachers across the country marks a pivotal moment in the pursuit of excellence in education, bearing in mind the Renewed Hope Agenda on our nation’s education system.

“As we embark on this journey of national renewal under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, we must recognise that education is not merely a tool for individual advancement, but the cornerstone of a prosperous and equitable society.

“What we are about to witness today is a reflection of our collective commitment to excellence, equity, and relevance in our senior secondary education system. As we all know, education is the bedrock of any progressive society, and 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,” Ajayi said.