The Federal Government (FG) has introduced artificial intelligence (AI) into Nigeria’s education sector to improve teaching and learning while maintaining the essential role of human educators.
This was revealed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during a press briefing in Abuja to mark 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, Dr. Alausa noted several initiatives aimed at modernising education through AI. He explained that platforms such as “Inspire for Students” and “Ignite for Teachers have been developed to enhance the learning experience.
“Inspire for Students brings the classroom closer, while Ignite for Teachers helps educators put lesson plans together,” he said.
Added to this, the ministry has introduced the Tertiary Information System (TIS) portal to centralise the data of undergraduates in tertiary institutions, making information management more efficient.
For younger learners, the Nigeria Learning Passport offers access to over 15,000 free educational resources tailored for primary, junior, and secondary students across the country.
Dr. Alausa also announced that the evaluation and accreditation of academic records have been fully automated, reducing the challenges associated with manual processes. “We also have digitalised services – the processes of evaluation and accreditation of academic records are now being automated, therefore making the process less cumbersome,” he stated.
Emphasising the importance of human involvement, the minister underscored the need for a balanced approach to AI integration. “As we navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of Artificial Intelligence (AI), it is crucial that we prioritise human agency in education. We must ensure that AI enhances, rather than replaces, educators’ vital role in shaping young minds. Our vision is to harness the potential of AI to augment teaching and learning while safeguarding the unique qualities that make us human,” he added.
The Federal Government (FG) is also looking into the applications of artificial intelligence in education, including smart content creation, virtual and augmented reality, gamification, and predictive analytics.
Other areas of focus include assistive technology, AI-powered chatbots for personalised learning, and data-driven insights to improve decision-making in schools.
To ensure the success of these innovations, the Ministry of Education plans to establish an AI in Education Task Force that will develop guidelines for teacher training and AI implementation. The minister pledged to work with international partners and stakeholders to align Nigeria’s strategies with global standards.
The government further intends to fully implement computer-based testing (CBT) for all national examinations by 2027, addressing challenges such as exam malpractice and identity theft.
New examination certificates, starting from the May-June-July 2024 sessions, will include identifiers such as national ID numbers, photos, and birthdates to enhance authenticity and curb fraud.
