Artificial intelligence educator and digital strategist, Adeola Olapeju Mopelola Eka, has called for the urgent integration of artificial intelligence (AI) education into Nigeria’s learning system to prepare students for a rapidly evolving global workforce.
In an interview with Nigeria Education News, Eka said the growing influence of AI across industries means Nigeria must start equipping its youth with the digital skills needed to remain competitive in the global knowledge economy.
He noted that artificial intelligence is already transforming sectors such as finance, medicine, agriculture, and media, and stressed that the education sector also needs to adapt quickly in line with technological advances.
“Artificial intelligence is not something Nigeria should plan for in the distant future. It is already here and the countries that prepare their students today will shape the economies of tomorrow,” Eka said.
According to her, Nigeria’s large youth population can be a huge advantage if students are provided with proper digital and technology training.
Eka explained that AI-powered learning platforms have the potential to improve education by analyzing student performance, identifying learning gaps, and providing personalized learning support.
He added that such technology could be particularly useful in Nigerian classrooms, where teachers often manage large numbers of students.
AI educators also emphasized the importance of AI literacy, noting that understanding how artificial intelligence systems work will soon become as important as basic computer literacy.
She called on education policymakers to introduce systematic training on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, data analysis and machine learning across schools and universities in Nigeria.
Eka also advocated for greater collaboration between government agencies, universities and technology training platforms to accelerate the integration of digital education and prepare Nigerian students for future careers in the global technology ecosystem.
