Abuja, Nigeria – The Federal Government of Nigeria has integrated artificial intelligence (AI) into the education system as part of efforts to enhance teaching and learning across the country while maintaining the central role of human involvement.
This announcement was made by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during a press briefing in Abuja to mark the International Day of Education. The theme of the event was “AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation.”
Represented by Dr. Ejeh Usman, the Director of Polytechnics in the Ministry, Dr. Alausa outlined various AI-driven initiatives and platforms developed to improve the quality of education at all levels.
AI-Driven Educational Platforms
The Minister disclosed the introduction of platforms such as Inspire for Students and Ignite for Teachers, designed to bridge the gap between learners and educators. The Inspire platform offers a closer connection to classrooms, while Ignite helps teachers develop lesson plans effectively.
Additionally, a Tertiary Information System (TIS) portal has been launched to digitalize the academic data of undergraduates in tertiary institutions. The Nigeria Learning Passport was also unveiled to provide free online access to over 15,000 learning materials for primary, junior, and secondary school students nationwide.
The processes for the evaluation and accreditation of academic records have also been automated, streamlining what was previously a cumbersome system.
Emphasizing Human Agency in AI Integration
Dr. Alausa emphasized the importance of a balanced approach in integrating AI into education, ensuring that technology enhances, rather than replaces, the critical role of teachers.
“As we navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of Artificial Intelligence (AI), it is crucial that we prioritize human agency in education. We must ensure that AI enhances, rather than replaces, educators’ vital role in shaping young minds,” the Minister stated.
He added that the government’s vision is to leverage AI to improve educational outcomes while preserving the human qualities essential for learning.
Broader Applications of AI in Education
Dr. Alausa also highlighted key areas where AI could revolutionize education, including:
- Smart content creation
- Virtual and augmented reality
- Gamification
- Data-driven insights
- Predictive analytics
- Assistive technology
- Personalized learning through AI chatbots
To guide the implementation of these innovations, the government plans to establish an AI in Education Task Force, which will develop guidelines and standards for training teachers and deploying AI solutions.
National Exams to Go Fully Digital by 2027
In addition to AI initiatives, the Federal Government aims to fully implement computer-based testing (CBT) for all national examinations by 2027. This measure is part of efforts to modernize the examination process and address challenges such as exam malpractice and identity theft.
The government also plans to introduce new examination certificates featuring three key identifiers—National ID number, photo, and birthdate—to ensure the authenticity of results.
Dr. Alausa assured stakeholders that the Ministry of Education will collaborate with international partners, experts, and stakeholders to align Nigeria’s educational reforms with global best practices.
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