Nigeria trains 6,000 teachers in AI nationwide to revolutionize education under Tinubu’s reforms

Nigeria launches AI training for 6,000 teachers to future-proof education system. Initiative aligns with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, unveils national standards for tech-driven secondary education.

In a bold move to modernize its education sector, Nigeria has launched a nationwide Artificial Intelligence (AI) training program targeting 6,000 senior secondary school teachers across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Spearheaded by the National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC), the initiative aims to integrate AI into classrooms, enhance digital literacy, and align teaching with global technological advancements.

“AI is reshaping industries globally. This training ensures our teachers aren’t left behind. By embedding AI into pedagogy, we’re transforming classrooms into innovation hubs. Our new minimum standards guarantee every student, whether in Lagos or rural Borno, receives world-class, future-proof education,” said Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, Minister of Education.

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Key Objectives of the Program

• AI Integration: Equip teachers with tools to personalize learning, foster critical thinking, and prepare students for AI-driven careers.
• Standardization: Unveil Minimum Standards for Senior Secondary Education to ensure quality, consistency, and accountability nationwide.
• 21st-Century Skills: Align with President Bola Tinubu’s education reforms to boost Nigeria’s global competitiveness.

Why AI is now

• Digital Divide: Only 32% of Nigerian secondary schools have access to digital tools (UNESCO, 2023).
• Youth Demographics: 60% of Nigeria’s population is under 25, necessitating tech-ready education.
• Economic Vision: AI adoption could contribute $15.7 trillion to global GDP by 2030 (PwC), with Nigeria poised to harness this potential.

Digital skills are no longer optional

According to Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmed, Minister of State for Education (represented by the Special Assistant to the Minister of State on Technical Matters, Dr. Clara Ujam),

“Digital skills are no longer optional—they’re survival tools. This AI initiative bridges the gap between Nigerian students and global opportunities, ensuring they thrive in a tech-centric world.”

Also, Dr. Iyela Ajayi, NSSEC Executive Secretary commented.
“Today marks a turning point. Training 6,000 teachers is just the start. Through Google-sponsored AI modules and standardized curricula, we’re building a generation fluent in AI, robotics, and data science.”

• Program Structure & ImpactTraining Modules: Google-sponsored online courses covering AI fundamentals, digital lesson planning, and ethical AI use.
• Geographic Reach: Prioritizing underserved regions to reduce urban-rural education gaps.
• Long-Term Goals: Scale training to 50,000 teachers by 2027; integrate AI into 75% of senior secondary curricula by 2030.

National Minimum Standards Highlights

Developed with stakeholders, the framework mandates:

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• Tech Infrastructure: Reliable internet, computers, and AI tools in all senior secondary schools.
• Teacher Competency: Annual AI upskilling for educators.
• Student Outcomes: Mandatory digital literacy assessments and AI project-based learning.

Photo: NTA