(Editorial)
Nigeria is stepping up efforts to ensure it is not left behind in the global push for the study of Artificial Intelligence in schools.
As AI continues to drive industrialisation across the world, the country has begun rolling out programmes to equip its youths with the skills needed to compete in the new era.
On Tuesday, Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to invest more in building facilities that will prepare young people for the state’s technology-driven economy.
The Adamawa State Digital Academy is already in place. According to the governor, all critical facilities will be provided to deliver quality digital training. He noted that developing digital skills has become imperative as the world continues to embrace technology, adding that Adamawa’s large young population must not be left behind.
“We must provide our young people with the right digital skills to enable them to compete and take advantage of opportunities in the modern economy,” he said.
Fintiri said the initiative is designed to promote youth empowerment by preparing students for emerging careers and exposing them to global technological developments.
Over 10,000 students have already enrolled on the academy’s online platform. The academy will begin with 11 accredited courses covering machine learning, deep learning, artificial intelligence, software development and digital marketing. The courses are structured to provide practical skills that will enhance participants’ employability and career prospects.
Beyond Adamawa, stakeholders in Nigeria’s education and tech sectors are intensifying calls for the federal and state governments to introduce Artificial Intelligence studies in primary and secondary schools nationwide.
Proponents argue that teaching AI fundamentals early will equip Nigerian students with critical digital skills, drive innovation, and position the country to compete in the global AI revolution. They are pushing for curriculum updates that include AI literacy, coding, robotics, and data analysis.
The push comes as countries worldwide integrate AI into basic education. Advocates warn that Nigeria risks being left behind if it delays, and are urging the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission, and the National Board for Technical Education to develop a national AI-in-schools framework backed by teacher training and infrastructure support.
Meanwhile, the NBTE has approved the start of a National Diploma programme in Artificial Intelligence at Kwara State Polytechnic.
The Rector of the institution, Engr. Dr Abdul Jimoh Mohammed, said the programme would commence from the next academic session. He made the disclosure at the opening ceremony of the 7th Annual International Conference of the Institute of Applied Sciences of the Polytechnic, held at the Admiral Mohammed Lawal Auditorium.
The conference, themed “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development in Sciences and Applied Sciences,” brought together academics, professionals and other stakeholders to discuss the growing impact of AI.
The Rector commended the Institute for choosing a timely theme, noting that artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming virtually every aspect of human behaviour and activity. He expressed confidence that participants would gain valuable knowledge from the papers and lectures, and urged them to pay attention as the insights could prove useful in the future.
He also called for ideas, research papers and scholarly contributions to support the successful take-off of the new ND programme in Artificial Intelligence.
With NBTE’s approval, the Polytechnic is expected to become one of the early adopters of AI education at the ND level in the country.
