The federal government has begun moves to train about 11,700 teachers in Federal Unity Colleges in Artificial Intelligence (AI), following the signing of an agreement for the nationwide rollout of an AI Teacher Capacity Development Programme.

The director of press and public relations, Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja.

Ms Boriowo said that the programme was aimed at equipping teachers with digital competencies to improve lesson delivery, classroom assessment, and overall learning outcomes.

She said the programme would be implemented by the Federal Ministry of Education in partnership with ICEDT Consult Limited.

She reaffirmed that the initiative would not only benefit about 11,700 teachers but also improve learning experiences for thousands of students through the responsible application of AI in teaching and learning.

She quoted the director, Education Support Services Department, Gabriel Amudipe, as saying during the signing ceremony that the initiative was a strategic investment in teacher development and the future of education in Nigeria.

Mr Amudipe said the nationwide expansion followed the success of a pilot programme and aligned with the federal government’s drive to accelerate digital transformation in education under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He commended ICEDT Consult Limited for adopting a zonal implementation strategy, saying it would enhance coordination, monitoring, and quality assurance during the nationwide rollout.

According to him, the quality standards achieved during the pilot phase must be maintained throughout implementation.

He directed ministry officials assigned to supervise the programme to ensure strict compliance with the terms of reference and discharge their responsibilities with professionalism.

Mr Amudipe reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting innovative initiatives that promote teacher professionalism, improve learning outcomes, and encourage the responsible use of emerging technologies in education.

Earlier, the deputy director, Education Support Services Department, Oladele Fapohunda, described the programme as a strategic intervention designed to strengthen teachers’ capacity and deepen digital innovation across Federal Unity Colleges.

Mr Fapohunda stressed the need for effective collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the programme across the country.

Also speaking, the head of Strategic Partnerships and Learning Scientist at ICEDT Consult Limited, Abdulrahman Orosanya, said the national rollout followed a successful pilot conducted in six Federal Unity Colleges, one from each geopolitical zone.

According to Mr Orosanya, the pilot demonstrated that AI could significantly enhance lesson planning, classroom instruction, assessment, and teachers’ productivity, leading to the ministry’s approval for nationwide implementation.

He said the expanded programme would strengthen teachers’ digital skills and support the Federal Government’s vision of building a technology-driven education system capable of preparing learners for the demands of the 21st century. 

(NAN)