The Association of Private Educators in Nigeria (APEN) has urged schools to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) as a tool for improving teaching and learning, stressing that technology cannot replace teachers’ human connection with students.
The association said AI could support lesson preparation, curriculum development, assessment and other educational activities, but teachers remained essential to students’ emotional, intellectual and social development.
The position was highlighted during a press conference held at Greensprings School, Anthony, Lagos, on Wednesday, October 14, ahead of APEN’s 2026 Education Conference.
The conference, themed “Human First: Leading with AI,” is scheduled to hold on November 2 and 3 at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, Bolanle Adewole, said educators should view artificial intelligence as an opportunity to improve education rather than a threat to their profession.
Adewole explained that AI could help teachers prepare lesson notes, develop curricula, write reports and assess students’ work more efficiently, allowing them to devote more time to direct engagement with learners.
She, however, warned that adopting AI should not come at the expense of the human relationships that make teaching and learning meaningful.
According to her, teachers provide emotional support, patience, kindness and care that technology cannot adequately replace. She encouraged educators who remain sceptical about AI to learn how to use it responsibly and effectively.
Adewole added that APEN was exploring the development of an AI platform tailored to Nigeria’s educational needs and local realities. Such a platform, she said, could provide information and learning resources that better reflect the Nigerian environment.
Acting Chairperson of APEN, Dr Abimbola Ogundere, said the conference would help school owners, teachers, parents and education leaders understand how to integrate AI into education without undermining the role of educators.
The event is expected to feature keynote addresses, general sessions and specialised discussions designed to help participants apply AI tools in their respective roles within the school system.
Other stakeholders at the briefing included APEN Board of Trustees Chairperson Lai Koiki, founding Board of Trustees Chairperson Dr Olufemi Ogunsanya and Board member Olufunke Fowler-Amba.
The association’s position comes amid growing interest in artificial intelligence in education, as schools explore technology to improve efficiency, support personalised learning and prepare students for a changing world.
For Nigerian schools, the challenge is to adopt AI responsibly while investing in teacher training and preserving the human interaction essential to effective education.
APEN said it would continue to promote professional development and collaboration among private educators to ensure that technology strengthens teaching and learning rather than diminishes the role of teachers.
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