The Federal Government of Nigeria has integrated Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the nation’s education system to improve teaching and learning while preserving human involvement.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, made this known during a ministerial press briefing in Abuja to commemorate the International Day of Education, themed “AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation.”
Represented by the Director of Polytechnics in the ministry, Dr. Ejeh Usman, the minister said the government had deployed AI-powered platforms to provide comprehensive insights into tertiary institutions and admissions across the country.
According to him, the newly introduced platforms include Inspire for Students, which brings learning closer to students, and Ignite for Teachers, designed to assist educators in developing effective lesson plans.
Alausa also mentioned the creation of the Tertiary Information System (TIS) portal, a database that consolidates the records of undergraduates across tertiary institutions, and the Nigeria Learning Passport, which offers over 15,000 free online learning materials for primary, junior, and secondary school students.
He disclosed that the process of evaluating and accrediting academic records has also been automated to ease administrative burdens.
Balancing AI and Human Interaction
The minister emphasized the importance of AI complementing, rather than replacing, educators in the classroom.
“As we navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of AI, it is crucial that we prioritize human agency in education,” Alausa said. “Our vision is to harness AI’s potential to support teaching and learning while safeguarding the unique qualities that make us human.”
Future Applications of AI in Education
Dr. Alausa outlined several AI-driven initiatives the ministry is planning to implement, including:
- Smart content creation
- Virtual and augmented reality in classrooms
- Gamification to improve student engagement
- Data-driven insights to personalize learning
- Predictive analytics to boost academic performance
- Assistive technology for students with special needs
- AI chatbots for personalized learning support
Implementation Strategy
To ensure a seamless implementation, the ministry plans to establish an AI in Education Task Force to develop guidelines and standards for teacher training and AI integration in schools.
The minister also pledged to collaborate with international partners, education experts, and stakeholders to align the initiative with global best practices.
Key Developments in Nigeria’s Education Sector
The government reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing education through technology by announcing plans to:
- Fully implement computer-based testing (CBT) for all national examinations by 2027.
- Curb examination malpractices, including exam leakages and identity fraud, through improved supervision.
- Introduce new security measures on examination certificates, including National Identification Numbers (NIN), photographs, and birthdates to ensure authenticity.
The Federal Government assured that these initiatives will create an education system that prepares students for the challenges of a digital world while maintaining high educational standards.
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