FG Launches Nationwide AI Training Programme for 11,700 Federal Unity College Teachers

The Federal Government has launched a nationwide Artificial Intelligence (AI) capacity-building programme for teachers in Federal Unity Colleges, with about 11,700 educators set to receive digital skills training aimed at improving classroom instruction and modernising education across Nigeria.

The initiative moved into its implementation phase on Thursday following the signing of the Terms of Reference (ToR) between the Federal Ministry of Education and ICEDT Consult Limited, paving the way for the nationwide rollout of the AI Teacher Capacity Development Programme.

The programme, which will be coordinated through the Ministry's Education Support Services Department, is part of the Federal Government's broader efforts to modernise the education sector, enhance teacher professionalism, and equip students with the skills needed to thrive in a technology-driven world under President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Abuja, the Director of the Education Support Services Department, Gabriel Amudipe, described the initiative as a strategic investment in Nigeria's teaching workforce and the future of education.

He explained that the nationwide rollout followed the successful completion of a pilot phase and commended ICEDT Consult Limited for developing a structured implementation model that will ensure effective coordination and quality delivery across the country's six geopolitical zones.

Amudipe urged ministry officials responsible for monitoring the programme to uphold the standards established during the pilot phase and ensure full compliance with the agreed implementation framework.

He reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to supporting innovative initiatives that strengthen teacher capacity, improve learning outcomes, and encourage the responsible integration of emerging technologies into education.

Also speaking, the Deputy Director of the Education Support Services Department, Oladele Fapohunda, described the programme as a major step toward promoting digital innovation in Federal Unity Colleges, stressing that collaboration among all stakeholders would be essential for its success.

Providing further details, the Head of Strategic Partnerships and Learning Scientist at ICEDT Consult Limited, Dr. Abdulrahman Orosanya, said the project received approval for nationwide expansion after a successful pilot programme conducted in six Federal Unity Colleges, one from each of Nigeria's six geopolitical zones.

According to him, the pilot demonstrated that Artificial Intelligence could significantly improve lesson planning, classroom instruction, assessment methods, and teachers' overall productivity.

He added that the nationwide implementation would enhance teachers' digital competencies, improve instructional delivery, and support the Federal Government's goal of building a technology-driven education system capable of producing globally competitive students with 21st-century skills.

The ceremony concluded with the formal signing of the Terms of Reference by officials of the Federal Ministry of Education and ICEDT Consult Limited, marking the beginning of preparations for the full implementation of the programme across all Federal Unity Colleges.

Beyond training approximately 11,700 teachers, the initiative is expected to positively impact thousands of students by improving classroom practices, encouraging digital innovation, and promoting the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence in teaching and learning.

The Federal Ministry of Education reaffirmed its commitment to working with stakeholders to modernise Nigeria's education system, improve teacher quality, and deliver inclusive, equitable, and future-ready education across the country.