The Federal Government has launched a nationwide Artificial Intelligence (AI) capacity-building programme for about 11,700 teachers in Federal Unity Colleges, in a move aimed at modernising Nigeria’s education system and preparing students for a technology-driven future.
The initiative, unveiled through the Federal Ministry of Education, is expected to improve teaching quality by equipping educators with digital skills that will enhance lesson delivery, classroom management, assessment and overall learning outcomes.
The programme officially commenced on Thursday with the signing of the Terms of Reference (ToR) between the Federal Ministry of Education and ICEDT Consult Limited, the implementation partner for the nationwide project.
The AI Teacher Capacity Development Programme forms part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to strengthen teacher professionalism, embrace innovation and position Nigeria’s education sector to compete globally.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Abuja, the Director of the Ministry’s Education Support Services Department, Mr. Gabriel Amudipe, described the initiative as a major investment in the future of education in Nigeria.
He said the nationwide rollout followed the successful implementation of a pilot programme in six Federal Unity Colleges across the country’s six geopolitical zones, adding that the project would help transform classroom teaching through the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence.
Amudipe commended ICEDT Consult Limited for developing a structured implementation model and urged all officials involved in the project to maintain the high standards recorded during the pilot phase.
“The Ministry remains committed to supporting innovative initiatives that strengthen teacher professionalism, improve learning outcomes and promote the responsible integration of emerging technologies into education,” he said.
Also speaking, the Deputy Director of the Education Support Services Department, Mr. Oladele Fapohunda, described the programme as a strategic intervention that would deepen digital innovation across Federal Unity Colleges.
He stressed that effective collaboration among stakeholders would be crucial to the successful implementation of the project nationwide.
Providing further insight into the initiative, the Head of Strategic Partnerships and Learning Scientist at ICEDT Consult Limited, Dr. Abdulrahman Orosanya, said the programme was expanded nationwide after the pilot phase demonstrated that AI could significantly improve lesson planning, classroom instruction, assessment methods and teachers’ productivity.
According to him, the training will strengthen teachers’ digital competencies while exposing students to modern teaching approaches that align with global best practices.
He added that the initiative would support the Federal Government’s vision of building a technology-driven education system capable of producing globally competitive graduates equipped with 21st-century skills.
The ceremony concluded with the formal signing of the implementation agreement, signalling the commencement of preparations for the nationwide rollout.
Beyond training approximately 11,700 teachers, the programme is expected to positively impact thousands of students by improving classroom instruction, encouraging digital innovation and promoting the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence in teaching and learning.
The Federal Ministry of Education reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with relevant stakeholders to modernise Nigeria’s education system, improve teacher quality and deliver inclusive, equitable and future-ready education across the country.
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