By Michael Omotosho |
Paradigm Initiative (PIN) in partnership with the United States Artificial Intelligence Institute (USAII) and Smait Maven, with approval from the Lagos State Ministry of Education has empowered seventy secondary school teachers from 40 public schools across Lagos State having completed a practical training programme on Artificial Intelligence (AI), equipping them with the knowledge and tools to introduce AI literacy into classrooms and prepare students for a rapidly evolving digital world.
The one-day workshop was focused on helping teachers understand AI, use generative AI tools, and promote the responsible use of the technology among students.
Preparing Teachers for an AI-Driven Future
The initiative is part of Paradigm Initiative’s broader effort to advance digital inclusion across Africa by ensuring educators have the skills needed to prepare learners for a technology-driven future.
With Artificial Intelligence increasingly transforming education, business and everyday life, organisers said teachers must be equipped to help students use AI ethically, responsibly and effectively.
Speaking during the workshop, Ihueze Nwobilor, Senior Programmes Officer and Digital Inclusion Lead at Paradigm Initiative, said empowering teachers is essential to preparing the next generation.
“Teachers are at the heart of every education system. By equipping educators with AI knowledge and practical skills, we are empowering them to prepare students not just to use technology, but to think critically, innovate responsibly and thrive in an increasingly AI-powered world. For digital inclusion to succeed, educators must be equipped, empowered, and included,” Nwobilor said.
Hands-On AI Training for Educators
During the intensive training, participants learned the fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence, ethical AI practices, data privacy, and responsible technology use.
They also received practical instruction on using generative AI tools to improve lesson planning, classroom teaching, content creation and productivity. The programme further explored effective ways of teaching AI concepts in secondary schools while introducing participants to emerging career opportunities within the AI ecosystem.
The teachers, most of whom teach Computer Studies and Technology, were selected to serve as knowledge ambassadors in their respective schools. They are expected to transfer the skills gained during the workshop to fellow teachers and students, expanding the programme’s reach across Lagos State.
Teachers Welcome the Initiative
One of the participants, Daniel Erondu, a teacher at Ebute Elefun Junior High School, described the training as practical and transformative.
“Before this training, AI seemed like something distant and complicated. Today, I have learned practical ways to use AI to improve my lesson planning and how to teach students about responsible AI use. I am excited to share this knowledge with my colleagues and students,” he said.
Building AI Literacy Across Nigeria
Beyond technical training, the workshop encouraged collaboration among educators, creating a growing network of teachers committed to promoting responsible AI adoption and digital innovation in schools.
Paradigm Initiative said the workshop is designed as a pilot programme that can be expanded across schools in Nigeria and other African countries, helping strengthen digital education systems and improve readiness for the future of work.
The organisation also called on government agencies, education stakeholders, development partners, private sector organisations and civil society groups to work together to expand AI literacy initiatives that equip both teachers and students with the digital skills needed to thrive in the modern economy.
About Paradigm Initiative
Paradigm Initiative (PIN) is a pan-African non-governmental organisation that promotes digital inclusion and digital rights. Since launching its operations in Nigeria in 2007 and expanding across Africa in 2017, the organisation has worked in more than 27 African countries to connect underserved young people with digital opportunities while advocating for an open, accessible and affordable internet.
Its programmes include the Life Skills, ICTs, Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship (LIFE) Training Programme, digital readiness workshops for young people, the Life at Schools Club Programme, and digital platforms such as Ayeta and Ripoti, which support digital literacy and provide safe spaces for reporting digital rights violations.
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