The Federal Government has announced plans to incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the basic education curriculum, as part of broader reforms aimed at equipping Nigerian pupils with 21st-century skills and ensuring inclusive, technology-driven learning nationwide.
Minister of State for Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, disclosed this at the 2025 International Conference on Smart Education (ICSE), held in Abuja and jointly organised by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).
Dr. Alausa said the move was in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises human capital development through quality and accessible education. He added that the government is also working to return at least 10 million out-of-school children to the classroom by 2027 under the Hope for Quality Basic Education (Hope-Ed) programme.
“The future of our children depends on the quality of education we deliver today. We must align our system with global trends and embrace digital learning if we want to secure Nigeria’s place in the knowledge economy,” the minister said.
The conference brought together education policymakers, development partners, school administrators, EdTech innovators, and experts from across Africa to explore ways of transforming basic education through digital innovation.
In his remarks, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Nigeria, Mr. Kim Pankyu, lauded the deepening collaboration between both countries in the education sector. He reiterated KOICA’s support for Nigeria’s smart education drive, saying Korea’s success in digital learning could serve as a model for Nigeria.
UBEC Executive Secretary, Dr. Aisha Garba, said the Commission is committed to building a robust, inclusive, and future-ready education system. She explained that UBEC is developing a sustainable framework for integrating technology in classrooms, empowering teachers, and bridging learning gaps.
“In today’s digital world, innovation is no longer optional. Our focus is on equipping schools with culturally relevant digital tools, training educators, and ensuring that even remote communities have access to smart learning environments,” she stated.
Also speaking, Vice-Chancellor of Thomas Adewumi University, Prof. Francisca Oladipo, described the conference as a timely intervention, noting that Nigeria’s growing population — projected to surpass 400 million by 2050 — presents both a challenge and an opportunity for education reform.
She stressed that smart education must be treated as a national priority and called for collaboration between government, private sector, educators, and parents to ensure its success.
Delegates from several African countries, including Kenya, Sierra Leone, Benin Republic, Togo, Ivory Coast, and Cameroon, participated in the conference, which ended with a strong call for accelerated investment in digital learning infrastructure and inclusive education policies.
