Amanze Chinonye
Nigeria risks being left behind in the global technological revolution unless its teachers and educational institutions are prepared for the era of artificial intelligence (AI), experts warned at the 2025 Annual Fafunwa Foundation Lecture held at the Muson Centre, Lagos.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Barth Nnaji, CON, former Minister of Science & Technology and internationally recognized engineering researcher, highlighted the urgent need to modernize teacher education in Nigeria.
The lecture, held in honour of Professor Babatunde Aliyu Fafunwa, a former Minister of Education and Pan-Nigerian academic, emphasized the connection between quality teacher training and the nation’s future competitiveness.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelProf. Nnaji recalled Prof. Fafunwa’s pioneering work in education, including his leadership at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and his role in shaping post-independence educational policy.
He praised the presence of Prof. Fafunwa’s daughter, Prof. Sheri Fafunwa-Ndibe, who travelled from the United States to honour her father’s legacy, underscoring the enduring impact of a family committed to academic excellence. “Prof. Fafunwa was obsessed with Nigeria’s future through proper and competitive education of our children,” Prof. Nnaji said.
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Focusing on the theme “Reinventing Teacher Education for Culturally Rooted and AI-Enhanced Pedagogy in Nigeria,” Prof. Nnaji warned that the nation cannot meaningfully participate in the Fourth Industrial Revolution without equipping its educators to teach AI, machine learning, big data analytics, and cybersecurity.
He noted that since the launch of ChatGPT-4 in 2022, generative AI has been transforming global business, research, and education, and Nigeria must act now to avoid being left behind.
However, he acknowledged significant challenges: many primary and secondary school teachers in Nigeria are not computer literate and often lack access to basic technology. To address this, Prof. Nnaji proposed a government-led initiative to provide every public-school teacher with a computer, similar to past nationwide programs such as distributing SUVs to police units.
Prof. Nnaji also cautioned that AI adoption carries risks, including privacy threats, deepfake creation, perpetuation of bias, and potential erosion of cultural values. Drawing lessons from China, he emphasized the need to embrace technological innovation while safeguarding national interests and societal norms.
The message is Clear: Nigeria must act decisively to equip teachers today to ensure that its children are prepared for a future shaped by AI. Failing to do so risks the nation falling further behind in global competitiveness.
Honouring Prof. Fafunwa’s legacy means more than celebrating his past achievements; it requires strategic investment in educators and education infrastructure to secure the nation’s tomorrow.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
