The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, has officially unveiled the Minimum Standards for Senior Secondary Education in Nigeria and launched the Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Pedagogy Training for 6,000 teachers across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The event, organized by the National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC) and sponsored by Google Research, took place at the Federal Ministry of Education Conference Hall, Abuja.
Dr. Alausa, in his keynote address, emphasized the transformative potential of AI in education. He stated that the AI in Pedagogy training is a landmark initiative aimed at equipping teachers with the necessary digital skills to prepare students for the fast-evolving technological landscape.
“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,” he said.
Highlighting the administration’s commitment to educational reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Dr. Alausa reiterated the government’s dedication to modernizing the sector. This includes integrating AI-driven pedagogical practices, establishing a harmonized databank, and enhancing digital literacy among teachers and students.
Additionally, the Minister formally presented the Minimum Standards for Senior Secondary Education, which was developed by NSSEC and approved by the National Council on Education. He described the document as a vital framework to ensure quality, consistency, and accountability in secondary education across Nigeria.
Dr. Alausa commended NSSEC, Google Research, Data Science Nigeria, and Olabisi Onabanjo University for their contributions to the initiative and urged teachers to embrace the training enthusiastically.
The Honourable Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmed, welcomed participants and highlighted the importance of AI integration in Nigerian classrooms.
“The world is moving rapidly towards a digital future, and Nigeria must not be left behind. The introduction of AI into our education system will enhance teaching methodologies and learning experiences, ensuring our students are better prepared for global opportunities,” she stated.
Professor Ahmed underscored that teachers play a pivotal role in this transformation, and the AI training will provide them with tools to facilitate innovative, technology-driven education. She also emphasized the significance of the Minimum Standards for Senior Secondary Education, which will serve as a guide to achieving uniform quality in education nationwide.
In his welcome address, Dr. Iyela Ajayi, the Executive Secretary of NSSEC, described the unveiling of the Minimum Standards and the AI training as a major step toward repositioning senior secondary education in Nigeria.
“This initiative marks a pivotal moment in our collective pursuit of excellence in education. The Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu recognizes education as a cornerstone of national development. By setting clear benchmarks for quality education, we are ensuring that all students, regardless of location or background, receive a high-standard education,” Dr. Ajayi stated.
He highlighted key components of the Minimum Standards, which include:
Curriculum and Learning Outcomes: Ensuring students acquire essential knowledge and skills.
Teacher Qualifications and Training: Strengthening educators’ capabilities through continuous professional development.
Infrastructure and Learning Environment: Setting guidelines for school facilities, ICT integration, and inclusive learning spaces.
Assessment and Quality Assurance: Standardizing evaluation methods to enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Dr. Ajayi also provided an overview of the AI training, which will run for five weeks and cover 6,000 teachers nationwide, with each state allocated 130 participants and Federal Unity Colleges receiving 11 teachers per school. He assured stakeholders that NSSEC will work closely with state governments to ensure effective implementation and compliance with the new standards.
Mohammed Salihu, Head of Teacher Development and International Partnership, provided insights into the training program, explaining that AI has the potential to revolutionize teaching and learning.
“AI creates a personalized, data-driven, and accessible learning environment. It enhances student engagement, supports teachers, automates tasks, and ensures equitable education for all,” he explained.
The training, delivered in five modules, will provide teachers with essential AI skills, enabling them to incorporate technology into their classrooms and improve learning outcomes.
The event marked a historic moment in Nigeria’s education sector, demonstrating the government’s commitment to equipping teachers with 21st-century skills and ensuring standardized, high-quality secondary education. With strong partnerships, strategic reforms, and innovative training, Nigeria is positioning itself for a more competitive and technology-driven educational future.
As the AI training commences and the Minimum Standards take effect, all eyes will be on the successful implementation and impact of these groundbreaking initiatives.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.
