Dr. Hamzat Calls for Responsible Adoption of AI in Nigeria's Education System

Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, has called for responsible adoption of Artificial Intelligence, AI, in Nigeria's education system, stressing that technology must complement teachers rather than replace them.

Hamzat made the call while delivering the keynote address at the 13th Annual Adetokunbo Babatunde Sofoluwe Lecture, a flagship event of the University of Lagos Alumni Association, Lagos State Branch.

The lecture, themed “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for the Sustainable Development of Nigeria’s Education System,” was chaired by The Olor'ogun, Dr. Sonny F. Kuku, OFR, FAS, former President of the University of Lagos Alumni Association and Ogbeni Oja of Ijebuland, and it brought together leading figures from the political, academic and professional communities to examine the opportunities and challenges presented by AI in education.

Chief Host and President Worldwide of the University of Lagos Alumni Association, Engr. IfeOluwa Oyedele, FAEng, was represented at the event by the National Internal Auditor of the Association, Rev. Olatunde Ayadi, FCA.

Speaking on the theme, the Deputy Governor said the future of education should not be framed as a contest between teachers and machines. Rather, he advocated a partnership in which teachers are empowered with appropriate technologies to improve the transfer of knowledge and enhance learning outcomes.

He cautioned against simply introducing technology into an education system without addressing its underlying challenges, noting that Nigeria must not merely digitise a troubled system but use technology to solve the fundamental problems confronting education.

Hamzat proposed a three-pronged approach to AI adoption in education: “offline first, low bandwidth and inclusive.” He explained that AI-powered educational solutions must be designed to work in environments with limited connectivity and must be accessible to every child, regardless of location or socioeconomic circumstances.

He also raised concerns about data privacy and the protection of children's information, stressing that children and students' data must never become a commodity. According to him, data collection and protection must be handled proactively to prevent data breaches.

The Deputy Governor further warned against excessive reliance on algorithms in assessing children's abilities, noting that AI systems must not be allowed to conclude that a child is deficient in knowledge or potential.

Highlighting the practical application of technology in Lagos State, Hamzat disclosed that he personally uses technology to monitor education delivery across schools in the state in real time from his laptop. Information obtained through the system, he said, helps government identify areas requiring intervention and provide educational solutions where they are most needed.

He advocated for an education system built around AI-ready teachers, AI-ready students, AI-ready curricula, AI-ready infrastructure, AI-ready assessments focused on reasoning, and AI-ready research.

The Deputy Governor also charged universities and the wider academic community to take AI literacy seriously. He called for AI literacy to become a compulsory component of general education for every undergraduate in Nigeria, arguing that students across disciplines must acquire the knowledge and skills required to navigate an increasingly AI-driven world.

In a significant recommendation, Hamzat urged the University of Lagos Alumni Association to establish a Professorial Chair in Artificial Intelligence in honour of the late Professor Adetokunbo Babatunde Sofoluwe, pledging the support of the Lagos State Government towards it.

He described Prof. Sofoluwe as a profound academic, administrator and scholar, noting that given his background as a Professor of Computer Science, AI would undoubtedly have been an area of great interest to him had he been alive to witness its present-day development.

The lecture also featured a moment of remembrance as the Deputy Governor led participants in observing a minute's silence in honour of the late professor.

Earlier, the Chairman of the University of Lagos Alumni Association, Lagos State Branch, Mr. Adedeji Owoeye (Ovo), in his welcome address explained that the choice of the lecture theme was informed by the need to explore how AI can be harnessed to strengthen intellectual development and advance the human mind.