By Damilola Fatunmise
As schools around the world begin to adopt innovative computer programs, such as AI, Nigeria must also embrace this technology to enhance learning, support student success, and prepare them for future careers.
Tosin Onikute, a leading software engineer who focuses on grassroots education and youth tech training in Oshodi Isolo, Lagos State, says Nigeria’s education system needs to catch up with modern technology. He shares these at the recent Digital Learning Programme in Lagos State University ICT research centre. As the country works to improve schools, create better learning opportunities, and prepare students for tomorrow’s jobs, one thing is clear; using AI in education is no longer optional, but necessary.
When asked about the reasons, he says that using AI in schools has many benefits. Nigerian students can learn more effectively when teachers utilize innovative computer tools to explain complex topics, provide personalized attention to each student, and make learning more engaging and interesting. Additionally, AI can help teachers allocate more time to teaching students and less time to tedious tasks, such as grading papers.
Despite these benefits, Nigeria remains slow in integrating AI into classrooms. Recent studies indicate that only a few schools in Nigeria utilize AI tools, and many teachers lack the knowledge to employ these technologies effectively. Most students have never experienced AI-powered learning, which puts them at a disadvantage compared to students in other countries.
To fix this problem, Tosin Onikute says everyone must work together. The government, schools, technology companies, and parents must collaborate to integrate AI tools into Nigerian classrooms. They need to train teachers, purchase the right equipment, and ensure that all students can access these new learning methods.
Tosin Onikute says AI in education helps students learn at their speed and in their own way. Some students learn better with pictures, while others learn better with sounds, and AI can provide both. This technology also helps teachers identify students who are struggling early and provide them with extra help before they fall too far behind.
Onikute also mentions that AI can make learning more exciting by creating games and interactive lessons that keep students interested. When students enjoy learning, they remember more and perform better in their studies. Many Nigerian schools are already facing significant challenges, including overcrowded classrooms, a lack of textbooks, and a shortage of qualified teachers. Onikute believes AI can help solve some of these problems. He explains that AI teaching assistants can help one teacher handle more students by answering basic questions and providing extra practice exercises. This means students get more attention even when there are many of them in one class.
Another significant benefit is that AI can help students in rural areas, where finding good teachers can be challenging. Through AI-powered learning apps and online platforms, village students can access the same quality education as those in big cities like Lagos and Abuja. This helps reduce the gap between urban and rural education in Nigeria.
Onikute also points out that AI can help identify students’ strengths and weaknesses early. Instead of waiting until exam time to determine if a student is struggling with math or English, AI tools can quickly identify problems and suggest solutions. This early warning system helps prevent students from failing their final exams.
He warns that other African countries, such as Kenya, South Africa, and Ghana, are already using AI in their schools. If Nigeria waits too long, our students will be left behind when competing for university admissions and jobs with students from these countries. He says Nigeria has bright students, but they need modern tools to show their talents.
As Nigeria works to build a stronger education system, it must start utilizing AI in its schools now. This will help our students compete with others around the world, give teachers better tools to teach, and create a brighter future for all Nigerian children.