Unlocking the potential of AI can leapfrog education development in Nigeria

In Nigeria, where a vast number of children are excluded from education, Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers a transformative opportunity. Despite the evident potential of AI in Nigerian education, its actual integration into educational institutions remains sparse. The pressing need to leverage AI to foster innovation and enhance digital skills development among students is widely recognized by stakeholders across the technology sector.

While some Nigerian educational institutions have begun to use AI in areas such as evolutionary software modeling, student performance prediction, and multimedia e-learning platforms, the adoption of sophisticated AI technologies remains limited. This highlights a significant gap between the potential and actual use of AI in education in Nigeria compared to more advanced nations.

In Africa, and specifically Nigeria, innovative educational technology (EdTech) startups are key in transforming the education landscape through the introduction of new learning models and technologies. Leaders in this field, driven by a belief in the universal right to quality education, are spearheading changes that enhance educational content and delivery, transforming learning one classroom at a time. This is evidenced through HP’s partnership with Cambridge University, where 25 policymakers and organisation leaders from the sub-Saharan region, participate in a blended remote and in-person programme aimed at accelerating effective digital transformation in the education system.

The importance of AI policy in education

Stakeholders across the technology sector are emphasizing the role of AI in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. AI simplifies information processing, allowing more time for skills development. Recognizing this, Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, introduced the “Nigeria Artificial Intelligence Research Scheme.” This initiative aims to provide financial support to startups and researchers, fostering a robust and sustainable AI ecosystem within the country.[1]

In discussions at a recent Technology Enhanced Learning/Computing Education Forum organized by the Nigeria Computer Society in Lagos, it was stressed that there is a dire need for the government at all levels to establish a dedicated AI policy in education. Such a policy will promote innovation and support the establishment of AI infrastructure across tertiary institutions, thus facilitating broader AI development in Nigeria.

Such a policy should support the establishment of the necessary AI infrastructure and promote AI literacy among educators and students. It should also address potential challenges such as data security, privacy concerns, and the ethical use of AI technologies in education[2].

Bridging the technology gap

Offering a pathway to enhanced educational access, quality, and relevance requires strategic planning, investment, and cooperation among all educational stakeholders in order to unlock the full potential of the technology. By embracing AI, Nigeria can not only improve its educational outcomes but also prepare its youth for a future where digital literacy and AI skills will be paramount for success. The time to act is now, to invest in, and shape the future of education in Nigeria through Artificial Intelligence.

In the short-term, to narrow the current technological gap in education, Nigeria can benefit significantly from adopting AI practices from more advanced nations. This would include the integration of intelligent tutoring systems, learnable robots, web-based educational systems, and sophisticated learning management systems. Such advancements could revolutionize the Nigerian educational landscape, aligning it more closely with global trends and markedly improving the quality and accessibility of education.

Collaborative efforts for AI integration

The successful integration of AI in Nigerian education requires a collaborative approach involving government, academia, and the private sector. These collaborations can drive innovation and ensure that AI tools are effectively tailored to meet the diverse needs of Nigerian students.

Dr. Salisu Abdulrahman, an Associate Professor of Artificial Intelligence at Kano State University of Science and Technology, highlights the need for robust collaboration between AI stakeholders and academia to drive national growth and innovation. These partnerships can facilitate the sharing of knowledge and best practices, as well as foster the development of tailored educational solutions that leverage AI to address specific educational challenges.

The economic impact of AI

With the advent of AI education, comes an opportunity for a more skilled workforce that can transform and elevate major sectors in the Nigerian economy, which still fall behind the technology adoption curve. For example, agriculture, despite being the main employer and economic driver – remains predominantly small holder and subsistence. The adoption of AI technology can potentially have a significant benefit to the agricultural economy, and national economy, by increasing labor productivity, capital efficiency, and driving growth. Alongside agriculture and education, the healthcare, and infrastructure and energy sector are major benefactors of AI adoption, setting Nigeria on its path to becoming a $1 trillion economy by 2026, and $3 trillion in 10 years, as per President Bola Tinubu’s vision.

AI presents a significant opportunity to leapfrog traditional educational and broader economic challenges. The integration of AI in Nigerian education holds promising prospects for enhancing educational outcomes by providing personalized learning experiences, supporting data-driven decision-making, and offer new modes of interactive and adaptive learning. As AI technologies evolve, they are likely to become increasingly integral to educational systems worldwide, and Nigeria could be at the forefront of this transformation.

Emmanuel Asika, Country Head of HP in Nigeria