…the global adoption of artificial intelligence is inevitable.
Abuja, Nigeria — The iNews Times reports that Nigeria could emerge as a major player in the global Artificial Intelligence in Nigeria landscape if the country strengthens its data systems and education governance, experts said during a high-level workshop held in Abuja.
The Applied Leadership Workshop titled “Data and AI for School Administration: From Records to Results in Nigeria’s Education System” was convened by the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership in partnership with the United States Embassy in Nigeria.
The event took place at the NOI Polls Building on February 27 and brought together more than 200 participants both physically and virtually.
Participants included representatives from federal and state ministries of education, examination bodies, school administrators, and teachers across Nigeria.
Experts Highlight Nigeria’s AI Potential
Delivering the lead presentation, Omoju Miller, Founder and CEO of Fimio, said Nigeria possesses a unique advantage in the global AI race due to its large population and strong diaspora network.
According to her, while the global adoption of artificial intelligence is inevitable, Nigeria’s real opportunity lies in developing the capacity to lead innovation rather than simply adopt technologies created elsewhere.
She noted that the country’s growing pool of technology talent could help build a sustainable AI-driven innovation economy if properly supported.
Data Governance Identified as Key Education Challenge
Another speaker, Agodi Alagbe, Founder of the Centre for Teaching and Learning Academy, said Nigeria’s biggest challenge in adopting Artificial Intelligence is not the technology itself but the lack of reliable education data.
“Nigeria’s education challenge is not AI; it is data,” she said. “Quality, structured and measurable data must inform reform at all levels. Good data governance precedes digitisation.”
She explained that inconsistent datasets relating to school enrolment, teacher deployment, learning outcomes and infrastructure have continued to undermine effective education policy planning.
Ogun State Shares Digital Education Reform Experience
Providing a government reform perspective, Abayomi Arigbabu spoke virtually on how digital transformation can improve school administration.
He outlined the transition from paper-based record systems to integrated digital platforms such as:
- Education Management Information Systems (EMIS)
- Student Management Systems (SMS)
- Learning Management Systems (LMS)
Drawing from Ogun State’s DiPER education reform experience, he demonstrated that digital transformation is possible even in infrastructure-constrained environments when supported by strong institutional discipline and clear policies.
Institutional Readiness Critical for AI Integration
Moderating the workshop, Chidima Chidoka emphasised that artificial intelligence can only strengthen governance where strong institutional systems already exist.
She noted that AI tools cannot replace weak governance structures, but can significantly improve transparency, accountability and decision-making when applied within well-organised systems.
Institutions Receive AI Preparedness Reports
At the end of the workshop, participants who completed the required assessments received certificates of completion.
Participating institutions will also obtain personalised Artificial Intelligence Preparedness and Data Governance Assessment Reports, designed to identify operational gaps and provide a roadmap for responsible AI integration within Nigeria’s education sector.
Building an AI-Ready Education System
The workshop forms part of the Athena Centre’s broader mission to promote evidence-based governance and practical policy innovation in Nigeria.
Participants agreed that strengthening Nigeria’s education data architecture is a critical step towards building a modern, accountable and Artificail Intelligence-ready school system capable of supporting the country’s ambitions in the global artificial intelligence ecosystem.
The Athena Centre expressed appreciation to the United States Embassy in Abuja for supporting initiatives aimed at advancing responsible and context-appropriate innovation in Nigeria’s education sector.
