The federal government has unveiled minimum standards for senior secondary school education in Nigeria.
The government also launched an Artificial Intelligence training programme to equip 6,000 select senior secondary school teachers across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The initiative, which was organised by the National Senior Secondary Education Commission and sponsored by Google Research, seeks to integrate AI into the educational system to enhance teaching methods and empower educators with the skills to prepare students for a technology-driven future.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, who was represented by the Director, Senior Secondary department, Hajia Binta Abdulkadri, said the training was a landmark in the government’s collective commitment to equipping teachers with the skills necessary to prepare Nigerian students for the rapidly evolving digital age.
He said: “Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, our administration has prioritized education as a catalyst for national development. The Federal Ministry of Education, in alignment with this vision, has undertaken several strategic initiatives to reform and modernize our educational sector.
“One of such is the integration of digital literacy and Al-driven pedagogical practices into our teaching methodologies as well as the introduction of a centralised, harmonised databank and unified platform for the entire education sector in Nigeria.
“The world is undergoing a technological revolution, and Artificial Intelligence (Al) is at its core. Al is no longer a futuristic concept but a present-day reality, transforming industries, economies, and societies. As educators, we must embrace this evolution and ensure our education sector is not left behind.
“The integration of Al into pedagogy offers an unprecedented opportunity to enhance learning experiences, personalize education, and develop critical thinking skills among our students. Our goal is to prepare them for careers in a technology-driven world, where Al literacy will be as fundamental as reading and writing.
“Today, we also take a significant step forward with the official unveiling of the Minimum Standards for Senior Secondary Education in Nigeria. 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.
“Our commitment to reforming the education sector includes initiatives such as curriculum modernization, teacher training programmes, and infrastructural development. We are also working towards expanding access to digital resources in schools and fostering partnerships with technology firms to bridge the gap between traditional teaching methods and contemporary innovations.”
The Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmed, said the world is moving rapidly towards a digital future, and Nigeria must not be left behind.
According to her, the introduction of AI into Nigeria’s education system will enhance both teaching methodologies and learning experiences, ensuring that our students are better prepared for global opportunities.
The Minister, who was represented by the Special Assistant to the Minister of State on Technical Matters, Dr. Clara Ujam, said the Ministry of Education, under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, has placed a high premium on education reforms aimed at ensuring Nigerian students are equipped with 21st-century skills.
“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.
“To our dedicated teachers, you are at the centre of this transformation. The knowledge and expertise you acquire through this training will have a ripple effect on our students, preparing them for a world where digital and AI skills are indispensable. I encourage you to embrace this opportunity fully and apply the knowledge gained to enrich classroom experiences.”
Thenation
