The Federal Government has launched a nationwide AI teacher training programme expected to equip about 11,700 teachers across Federal Unity Colleges with digital skills for technology-driven education. The initiative took a major step towards implementation on Thursday with the signing of the Terms of Reference (ToR) between the Federal Ministry of Education and ICEDT Consult Limited in Abuja.
The programme is being implemented through the Ministry’s Education Support Services Department as part of efforts to modernise Nigeria’s education sector and strengthen teachers’ professional capacity. It is also aligned with the Federal Government’s broader objective of preparing Nigerian students for the demands of a technology-driven global economy under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Director of the Education Support Services Department, Mr. Gabriel Amudipe, described the programme as a strategic investment in the teaching workforce and the future of education. He said the national rollout followed the successful completion of an earlier pilot programme and commended ICEDT Consult Limited for developing an implementation framework designed to support effective coordination across the country’s six geopolitical zones.
Amudipe urged ministry officials responsible for monitoring the initiative to ensure that the standards established during the pilot were maintained during the nationwide implementation. He also stressed the importance of professionalism and strict compliance with the provisions contained in the agreement.
“The Ministry remains committed to supporting innovative initiatives that strengthen teacher professionalism, improve learning outcomes and promote the responsible integration of emerging technologies into education,” he said.
Earlier, Deputy Director of the Education Support Services Department, Mr. Oladele Fapohunda, described the initiative as a strategic intervention aimed at deepening digital innovation across Federal Unity Colleges. He also emphasised the importance of collaboration among government agencies, educators and other stakeholders to ensure effective implementation.
Providing details of the programme, Dr. Abdulrahman Orosanya, Head of Strategic Partnerships and Learning Scientist at ICEDT Consult Limited, said the project received approval for national expansion after a pilot involving six Federal Unity Colleges, representing the country’s six geopolitical zones.
According to Orosanya, the pilot showed that Artificial Intelligence could improve lesson planning, classroom instruction, assessment and teachers’ productivity. He said the national programme would strengthen educators’ digital competencies and support the development of a technology-driven education system capable of producing learners equipped with 21st-century skills.
The formal signing of the ToR marked the beginning of preparations for full implementation across all Federal Unity Colleges. Beyond the direct training of approximately 11,700 teachers, the government expects the programme to benefit thousands of students through improved teaching practices, digital innovation and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence in education.
The Federal Ministry of Education reaffirmed its commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to improve teacher quality and deliver inclusive, equitable and future-ready education nationwide.
