The Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) has called for a comprehensive overhaul of the country’s education sector to ensure that teaching and learning are accessible and affordable for all. Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos, NCS President Sirajo Aliyu highlighted the Society’s vision of a future where technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), revolutionizes how Nigerians learn and work.
As the umbrella body for Information Technology (IT) professionals in Nigeria, the NCS is committed to realizing this vision by promoting emerging technologies such as AI and data mining. Aliyu emphasized that the NCS is at the forefront of developing programs that not only meet current needs but also anticipate and shape the future of IT in the country.
“One area that stands to benefit greatly from our efforts is education,” Aliyu stated. He underscored the potential of integrating AI into tertiary institutions to make education more accessible, affordable, and effective. By envisioning a system where online classes offer readily available resources and self-paced learning, Aliyu suggested that the cost of education could be significantly reduced, allowing more people to access quality learning.
Aliyu also pointed out that with the government’s support in creating an enabling environment, the NCS could effectively harness AI. He noted that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is already working to improve infrastructure and make broadband more affordable, a move that could pave the way for online learning to become the norm.
In a related virtual event, IT experts and professionals echoed the call for revamping Nigeria’s education sector to be more innovative and forward-thinking, particularly in embracing AI. The 3rd Technology-Enhanced Learning/Computer Education Forum, organized by the NCS, focused on the theme “Artificial Intelligence in Education: Implications, Strategies for National Growth.”
Abejide Ibijola from the University of Johannesburg, South Africa, emphasized the need for increased funding in the education sector to enhance infrastructure and improve teacher remuneration. He also called for exposing young Africans, especially Nigerians, to future-oriented training that fosters innovation and aligns with societal and industry needs.
Similarly, Salisu Abdulrahman, an Associate Professor of AI at Kano State University of Science and Technology, discussed the potential of AI to drive economic growth by enhancing business production through the existing labor force. However, he noted that Nigeria still requires significant investment in AI research, development, and startups to foster innovation.
Idris Muhammed, Executive Secretary of the National Board of Technical Education (NBTE), highlighted the importance of embracing the fourth industrial revolution. He emphasized that AI’s transformative power is reshaping education, necessitating a reevaluation of traditional assessment methods to ensure practical knowledge remains central to the curriculum.
The NCS and IT experts’ call for action underscores the need for collaborative efforts to ensure that AI and other emerging technologies are effectively integrated into Nigeria’s education system, paving the way for significant national growth and development.
Credit: NAN (Text Excluding Headline)
