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FG Unveils AI Training For 6,000 Teachers
The Federal Government has launched an Artificial Intelligence training programme to equip 6,000 selected senior secondary school teachers across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The initiative, organised by the National Senior Secondary Education Commission seeks to integrate AI into the educational system, enhancing teaching methods and empowering educators with the skills to prepare students for a technology-driven future.
At the flag-off ceremony of the training, as well as the unveiling of the minimum standards for senior secondary education in Abuja, yesterday, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, said the programme is a landmark in its collective commitment to equipping teachers with the skills necessary to prepare students for the rapidly evolving digital age.
“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.
“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.
“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”, he stated.
The Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba 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 her Special Assistant 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,” she said.
Also speaking, the executive secretary of NSEEC, Dr. Iyela Ajayi, said the official unveiling of the Developed Minimum Standards for Senior Secondary Education and flag-off of an online Google-sponsored AI in Pedagogy training of 6,000 Senior Secondary School Teachers across the country marks a pivotal moment in the pursuit of excellence in education, bearing in mind the Renewed Hope Agenda on our nation’s education system.
Ajayi said, “As we embark on this journey of national renewal under the visionary leadership of Mr President Bola Tinubu, we must recognise that education is not merely a tool for individual advancement, but the cornerstone of a prosperous and equitable society.
“What we are about to witness today is a reflection of our collective commitment to excellence, equity, and relevance in our senior secondary education system. As we all know, education is the bedrock of any progressive society, and the senior secondary level plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of our young ones, preparing them for higher education, employment, and lifelong skills.”
The virtual training programme, which is sponsored by Google Research and supported by Data Science Nigeria and Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, is aimed at enhancing the AI pedagogical skills among senior secondary school teachers across the 36 states and the FCT. The training is packaged in five modules and is expected to run for a period of five weeks.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
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