BY JUMAI NWACHUKWU
In celebration of World Education Day, the visionary founder of the Morgan Charitable Organization, Mr. Philemon Adaghe, has made an impassioned appeal to all state governments, urging them to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into school curricula.
Speaking during a phone interview commemorating the day, Mr. Adaghe emphasized the transformative power of AI in education and its capacity to prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly evolving digital era.
Addressing educators, policymakers, and stakeholders, Mr. Adaghe underscored the importance of equipping young learners with the skills necessary to thrive in a world increasingly shaped by technological advancements. He noted that AI is no longer a futuristic concept but a present-day reality that is reshaping industries, economies, and societies. Education, he argued, must reflect this reality by adopting innovative tools and practices that harness AI’s potential to enhance learning outcomes.
Mr. Adaghe elaborated on the myriad ways AI could revolutionize the education system in Nigeria. He highlighted its ability to personalize learning experiences, allowing students to progress at their own pace while receiving tailored support to address their unique strengths and weaknesses. This, he explained, could bridge learning gaps, improve student performance, and foster a more inclusive education system.
Beyond its benefits for students, Mr. Adaghe also spoke about how AI could empower teachers. By automating routine tasks such as grading and lesson planning, educators would have more time to focus on fostering creativity and critical thinking among their students. Additionally, AI-driven analytics could provide valuable insights into student performance, enabling teachers to make data-informed decisions to improve classroom instruction.
However, he pointed to the need for significant investments in digital infrastructure, particularly in rural and underserved areas where access to technology remains limited. Teacher training, he emphasized, would also be crucial, as educators must be equipped with the skills to effectively integrate AI into their teaching practices. Despite these hurdles, he expressed optimism that with collaborative efforts from governments, private sector players, and non-governmental organizations, these challenges could be overcome.
