The Federal Ministry of Education has reaffirmed its commitment to equipping Nigerian teachers with future-ready digital competencies following the signing of the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the nationwide implementation of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Teacher Capacity Development Programme across all Federal Unity Colleges.
The agreement, executed through the Ministry’s Education Support Services Department in partnership with ICEDT Consult Limited, marks a significant milestone in the Federal Government’s drive to strengthen teacher capacity, promote innovation in classroom practice, and accelerate the digital transformation of Nigeria’s education sector in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Abuja, the Director of the Education Support Services Department, Mr. Gabriel O. Amudipe, described the initiative as a strategic investment in the professional development of teachers and the future of education in Nigeria. He commended ICEDT Consult Limited for its structured and collaborative approach to teacher capacity development and particularly applauded the zonal implementation strategy adopted for the nationwide rollout, noting that it would strengthen coordination, monitoring, and quality assurance.
Mr. Amudipe emphasized that the high standards achieved during the pilot phase, which informed the Ministry’s approval for national expansion, must be sustained throughout implementation. He charged Ministry officials assigned to supervise the programme to carry out their responsibilities with diligence and professionalism while ensuring full compliance with every provision of the Terms of Reference.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting innovative initiatives that enhance teacher professionalism, improve learning outcomes, and promote the responsible integration of emerging technologies into education.
Earlier, the Deputy Director of the Education Support Services Department, Mr. Oladele Fapohunda, welcomed participants and described the programme as a strategic intervention that aligns with the Ministry’s vision of strengthening teacher capacity and fostering digital innovation across Federal Unity Colleges. He stressed the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the programme nationwide.
Presenting the background to the initiative, the Head of Strategic Partnerships and Learning Scientist at ICEDT Consult Limited, Dr. Abdulrahman Orosanya, explained that the programme followed a successful pilot phase approved by the Federal Ministry of Education and implemented in six Federal Unity Colleges representing the six geopolitical zones of the country.
According to him, the pilot demonstrated the effectiveness of Artificial Intelligence in enhancing lesson planning, classroom instruction, assessment, and teacher productivity, leading to the Ministry’s approval for its nationwide expansion.
Dr. Orosanya noted that the national rollout will strengthen teachers’ digital competencies, improve instructional delivery, and support the Federal Government’s vision of building a technology-enabled education system that prepares learners with the knowledge and skills required to thrive in the 21st century.
The ceremony concluded with the formal signing of the Terms of Reference by representatives of the Federal Ministry of Education and ICEDT Consult Limited, officially commencing preparations for the nationwide rollout of the AI Teacher Capacity Development Programme.
The initiative is expected to directly benefit approximately 11,700 teachers across Federal Unity Colleges, while positively impacting thousands of students through improved classroom practice, greater digital innovation, and the responsible application of Artificial Intelligence in teaching and learning.
The Federal Ministry of Education remains committed to working with strategic partners to modernise Nigeria’s education system, strengthen teacher quality, and deliver inclusive, equitable, and future-ready education for all.
Photo Credit: Vanguard