The Nigerian Minister of Education, Olatunji Alausa, has launched an AI training program for 6,000 senior secondary school teachers across the country. The initiative aims to equip educators with essential skills for a technology-driven world, emphasizing the importance of AI in enhancing learning experiences. This program coincides with the rollout of minimum standards for senior secondary education to improve educational quality nationwide.
Olatunji Alausa, Nigeria’s Minister of Education, has initiated an Artificial Intelligence (AI) training program designed for 6,000 senior secondary school teachers nationwide. During the launch of this initiative and the minimum standards for senior secondary education in Abuja, Alausa emphasized the necessity for educators to adapt to the technological revolution driven by AI, which he described as a transformative force in various sectors.
He stated, “The world is undergoing a technological revolution, and Artificial Intelligence is at its core. AI is no longer a futuristic concept but a present-day reality, transforming industries, economies, and societies.” Alausa further highlighted the importance of integrating AI in education to enhance learning experiences, individualize education, and cultivate critical thinking skills among students.
The initiative aims to equip teachers with essential skills for a technology-driven world, thereby ensuring students acquire AI literacy comparable to reading and writing. He mentioned that the new education framework, developed by the National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC), will establish high-quality standards across Nigeria’s educational landscape.
Suwaiba Ahmed, the Minister of State for Education, reinforced this vision, stating that Nigeria must embrace the digital transformation occurring globally. In her remarks, delivered by her special assistant, Clara Ujam, she noted that the introduction of AI in education is crucial for improving teaching methods and enhancing learning for future global opportunities.
Ahmed remarked, “The AI in Pedagogy training is a vital component of these reforms, ensuring our teachers acquire the necessary skills to facilitate innovative and technologically-driven education.” This training is expected to significantly affect educators and students, helping them thrive in an increasingly digital world.
Iyela Ajayi, Executive Secretary of the NSSEC, described the launch of the minimum standards and the online AI training as a critical moment for education in Nigeria under the Renewed Hope Agenda. His comments underscored the role of education as foundational for national prosperity and equity, especially at the senior secondary level, where students are prepared for further studies and employment.
Ajayi stated, “What we are about to witness today is a reflection of our collective commitment to excellence, equity, and relevance in our senior secondary education system.” This initiative is viewed as a pivotal step towards ensuring that Nigerian education meets the challenges and requirements of the future economy.
Overall, the training program, backed by government reforms, aims to modernize Nigeria’s education system, aligning it with global technological advancements while prioritizing the teachers’ role in this transformative journey.
In conclusion, the launch of the AI training program for senior secondary school teachers in Nigeria signals a significant advancement in educational reform. By integrating AI into the curriculum, instructors are being empowered to enhance their teaching methodologies and better prepare students for a technology-driven future. These measures highlight the commitment of the Nigerian government to uphold high standards in education, ensuring relevance and equity for all students.
Original Source: businessday.ng
