FG Deepens Digital Education Drive, Trains 11,700 Unity College Teachers

The Federal Government has expanded its digital education initiative with the rollout of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Teacher Capacity Development Programme aimed at training about 11,700 teachers across Federal Unity Colleges nationwide.

In a statement released by the Federal Ministry of Education on Friday, the Ministry said the programme, implemented through its Education Support Services Department in partnership with ICEDT Consult Limited, is designed to strengthen teachers’ digital skills, improve lesson planning and enhance classroom instruction through the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence.

The Ministry said the nationwide initiative followed the successful completion of a pilot phase conducted in six Federal Unity Colleges, representing Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

It added that the programme is part of efforts to prepare teachers and students for the demands of the 21st-century economy by promoting technology-driven learning and improving educational outcomes across the country.

Speaking during the signing of the Terms of Reference in Abuja, the Director of Education Support Services, Mr Gabriel O. Amudipe, described the initiative as a strategic investment in teacher professionalism and the future of Nigeria’s education sector.

Amudipe urged stakeholders involved in the implementation of the programme to maintain high standards, ensure effective monitoring and strengthen quality assurance throughout the nationwide rollout.

He said the initiative would provide teachers with the necessary digital competencies to integrate emerging technologies into teaching practices and create more engaging learning experiences for students.

The Federal Ministry of Education said the partnership with ICEDT Consult Limited reflects government’s commitment to modernising Nigeria’s education system through innovation, digital skills development and strategic collaborations.

The Ministry added that the AI training programme aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda’s focus on delivering inclusive, technology-driven and globally competitive education.

With the increasing role of Artificial Intelligence in different sectors, education stakeholders have continued to emphasise the need for teachers to acquire relevant digital skills to support learners in a rapidly changing world.

The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to expanding digital education opportunities and ensuring Nigerian schools are equipped to compete in the global knowledge economy.