Prioritise technology education by adopting AI-driven solutions, educationists tells govt

Ini Billie, Uyo

Government and stakeholders have been urged to prioritise technology in education by adopting AI-driven solutions.

The government was also urged to upgrade the capacity of teachers through train-the-trainer workshops and equip schools with ICT infrastructures to encourage more school days.

Speaking on Thursday in Uyo in commemoration of the International Day of Education, the Chairman, Board of Trustees, Queen Mother’s Universal Foundation (QMUF), Dr Ukeme Umoren called on government and relevant stakeholders to intensify efforts in making education more accessible particularly for vulnerable children.

The event which brought together professionals from the education and technology sector to discuss innovative ways to bridge educational gaps in Nigeria as the world draws closer to the United Nations Education for All (EFA) 2030 timeline, highlighted the importance of education as a universal right that should be made accessible to all regardless of their gender, age, creed, tribe and ethnicity.

“Education is a right and should not be a privilege, or option rather it should be a right that should be mandatory for every child regardless of their race, colour, creed, nationality, colour, status. Therefore, as an organisation, we believe this mandatory right should be made accessible to every child everywhere, especially to those who do not have access,” Umoren stated.

The Chairman said the International Day of Education serves as a platform for stakeholders and organisations like QMUF to build conversations on key issues affecting the education sector, and find solutions to bridging the plethora of problems facing the sector.

She decried the alarming barriers preventing children from having access to education, especially children in rural communities, noting that QMUF is committed to providing resources and championing advocacies that lead to improved learning outcomes for marginalised children.

“It is unacceptable for any child to be deprived of the basic resources that make education meaningful and enjoyable. At QMUF, we are committed to driving strategic conversations and providing resources that improve learning outcomes for children,” she said.

In his presentation, Dr, Emmanuel Umoh, a Senior Lecturer in the University of Uyo who spoke on “The Future of Teaching: Will AI Replace Teachers in an Automated World?”, highlighted the important role teachers play in learning.

Umoh dispelled fears that AI would entirely replace educators, saying by building a strong emotional connection with students, teachers foster creativity, intelligence, and empathy, and bring context to learning, qualities that AI cannot replicate.

“AI is here to complement, not replace, teachers. It can enhance the classroom experience through personalisation and efficiency, but it can never replace the human connection and empathy that teachers provide. However, integrating AI into the classroom can make teaching more efficient and personalised,” he explained.

In his presentation titled, “How can Teachers leverage AI to Bridge Gaps in Education”, Nsisong Eyo, a tech expert

explained that teachers can leverage AI-powered platforms and applications to simplify tasks and lessons that provide tailored learning experiences.

Eyo noted that though the advancement of AI and technology remains a serious threat to every sector, teachers who intend to stay relevant must leverage AI and the gains it offers as it is here to stay.

While speaking on “AI and Equity: How Technology Can Promote Equal Access to Education”, an advocacy journalist, Ndifreke Enefiok, said it was important to ensure that the benefits of AI is understood in rural and underserved communities.

“AI has the potential to close the digital divide, but only if there is a deliberate effort to make it accessible. Governments and stakeholders must invest in infrastructure and training to ensure that no child is left behind in this technological revolution sweeping across the world,” she stated.

Enefiok however stated that while AI offers great potential for the education sector, human control and equity is important to ensure data privacy.

She called for the elimination of discrimination and bias such as expensive digital products, data subscriptions and restrictions to make AI and technology accessible and inclusive for people, especially in rural communities.

*The Board Chairman: Dr Ukeme Umoren