BY JUMAI NWACHUKWU
Delta State Commissioner for Secondary Education, Mrs. Rose Ezewu has assured that the state government would invest in training of both teachers and students on use of technology in education.
Speaking during an interview to commemorate World Education Day on January 24, Ezewu highlighted the importance of equipping educational stakeholders with the skills and knowledge to navigate the rapidly evolving technological landscape.
This year’s World Education Day, themed: ‘AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation’, underscores the growing impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the classroom.
According to Ezewu, over two-thirds of secondary school pupils already use generative AI tools to assist with school assignments. However, she pointed out that the education sector lags behind in establishing clear guidelines on the use of such tools, with only 10 per cent of schools and universities having implemented official frameworks.
“AI offers major opportunities for education, provided that its deployment in schools is guided by clear ethical principles,” Ezewu stated. “To reach its full potential, this technology must complement the human and social dimensions of learning, rather than replace them. Artificial intelligence must become a tool at the service of teachers and pupils, with the main objective being their autonomy and wellbeing.”
The Commissioner stressed the importance of aligning AI integration with ethical standards to preserve human agency in education. She called on the state government to play a proactive role in ensuring that teachers are adequately trained to use AI responsibly while helping students leverage these tools to enhance their learning experiences without becoming overly dependent on the
Ezewu’s noted that education professionals are grappling with how to incorporate AI into curriculums without undermining traditional teaching methods. The Commissioner emphasized that the human and social aspects of learning remain irreplaceable, and AI must be used as a complement to, rather than a substitute for, human interaction and creativity in the classroom.
The commissioner stressed that,the Delta State government’s is committed to shaping the future of education in the state, ensuring that technology served as a tool to empower both teachers and students.
