The Federal Government of Nigeria has rolled out an Artificial Intelligence (AI) training program for 6,000 senior secondary school teachers. This initiative targets educators across all the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Organised by the National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC). It aims to bring AI into classrooms, improve teaching methods, and equip teachers with modern skills as well as prepare students for a tech-driven future.
The program kicked off on Tuesday in Abuja, alongside the unveiling of new minimum standards for senior secondary education.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, who spoke at the event, called it a landmark step. He stressed the importance of adapting to the digital age, where AI is transforming industries and societies.
“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,” the minister said.
He urged educators to adapt, saying, “As educators, we must embrace this evolution and ensure our education sector is not left behind. The integration of AI into pedagogy offers an unprecedented opportunity to enhance learning experiences, personalise education, and develop critical thinking skills among our students. Our goal is to prepare them for careers in a technology-driven world, where AI literacy will be as fundamental as reading and writing.”
New Standards for Schools
The minister also highlighted the new minimum standards for senior secondary education.
“This document, which was developed by NSSEC through extensive collaboration with stakeholders and approved by the National Council on Education, will serve as a guiding framework to ensure that senior secondary education across Nigeria adheres to high-quality standards. It is our blueprint for ensuring consistency, accountability, and measurable improvement in our education sector,” Alausa explained.
Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmed, the Minister of State for Education, who was represented by the Special Assistant on Technical Matters, Dr. Clara Ujam, shared the sentiment.
“The world is racing toward a digital future, and Nigeria must join the race,” she said.
She believes AI will improve teaching and open global opportunities for students.
According to the minister, the Ministry of Education, under the administration of President Bola Tinubu GCFR, has placed a high premium on education reforms aimed at ensuring Nigerian students are equipped with 21st-century skills.
A Five-Week Virtual Program
The Executive Secretary of NSSEC, Dr. Iyela Ajayi, provided details about the training. He called the event a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s education system. The program aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which sees education as the foundation of a strong society. Dr. Ajayi stressed that senior secondary education is crucial for preparing students for higher education, jobs, and lifelong skills.
The AI training is an online program sponsored by Google Research. It is supported by Data Science Nigeria and Olabisi Onabanjo University in Ogun State. The five-week course is divided into five modules. It aims to enhance teachers’ ability to use AI in teaching. According to Dr. Ajayi, 6,000 teachers from across the country will participate, ensuring nationwide reach.
The NSSEC is focused on improving senior secondary education. Beyond training, it provides teaching resources and support. The new minimum standards will guide these efforts. Together, these moves aim to lift the quality of education across Nigeria.
AI is gaining ground globally, and Nigeria is taking note. Reports online show how AI can transform education. It can tailor lessons to students’ needs and make classes more engaging. For teachers, it offers tools to work smarter, not harder.
This program reflects a growing trend. Countries worldwide are adding tech skills to their curricula. Nigeria’s effort puts it on the map as a nation investing in its future.
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