By Kabiru Haruna
AD Press, Federal Ministry of Education
The Federal Ministry of Education has officially flagged off the pilot phase of the “Teachers on Artificial Intelligence (AI)” training programme, aimed at equipping educators with the knowledge and skills to integrate AI-powered solutions into the Nigerian education system. The initiative marks a significant milestone in the Ministry’s drive to align teaching and learning with the demands of the 21st-century digital economy.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Mr. Abel Olamuyiwa Enitan, who was represented by his Technical Aide, Mrs. Collins Callista, underscored the crucial role of technology in shaping the nation’s future. He expressed optimism that the training would provide teachers with the opportunity to explore a variety of AI-powered educational solutions that enhance teaching effectiveness and learning outcomes. Mr. Enitan commended the International Community for Education Technology (ICEDT) for its landmark contributions to the development of Nigeria’s educational system. He noted that Federal Unity Colleges occupy a special and strategic place in the national education landscape, representing standards of quality, equity, and innovation.
The Permanent Secretary urged all participants to actively engage in the training, emphasizing that the pilot phase is expected to generate reports that would guide the scaling up of the programme to all six geopolitical zones. He described the initiative as an open door to nationwide technological advancement in education and encouraged teachers to make the most of the opportunity, emerging as champions who would extend the knowledge of AI in education to their peers.
In her remarks, the Director of Education Support Services, Mrs. Larai Nana Ahmed, represented by the Deputy Director, School Support Division, Mrs. Ogbuke Njideka Dorothy, reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to integrating digital technology into the education sector. She explained that the programme aligns with the National EdTech Strategy and the broader vision of the Federal Government to prepare learners for the realities of a digital economy. According to her, teachers are at the heart of this transformation, hence the decision to commence the training with Federal Unity Colleges, which serve as the flagship of secondary education in Nigeria. She added that the pilot phase, implemented in collaboration with ICEDT, is expected to serve as a model for nationwide expansion.
Delivering a goodwill message, the Head of Strategic Partnership and Learning Scientist at ICEDT, Dr. Abdurrahman Orosanya ,described the initiative as a significant milestone in the collective journey toward transforming education through innovation. He reaffirmed ICEDT’s commitment to supporting the Federal Ministry of Education and other stakeholders in equipping Nigerian teachers with the competencies required to thrive in a digitally driven world. Dr. Orosanya emphasized that the programme is not merely a training exercise but a strategic investment in the future of education, standing at the intersection of pedagogical excellence and the opportunities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
In his remarks, the Vice Principal (Administration) of Federal Government Boys College, Wuye, Mr. Falaye, who represented the Principal, expressed appreciation for the Ministry’s commitment to improving teaching and learning through technology. He described the programme as a laudable initiative that would enhance the learning environment and foster innovation among teachers and students.
The Federal Ministry of Education reaffirmed its dedication to sustaining a digital learning environment that nurtures innovation, creativity, and excellence in teaching, paving the way for a brighter and more technologically empowered future for Nigerian education.