Education experts have called on Nigeria to introduce artificial intelligence (AI) education earlier in schools, warning that students could miss emerging career opportunities if the country fails to adapt its curriculum to changing global demands.
The call was made at the 2026 Global Study Conference organised by StudyIn, where education stakeholders discussed how AI literacy, digital competence and career guidance could help young Nigerians prepare for an increasingly technology-driven world.
According to a report by BusinessDay, Mary Agbu, Country Director at StudyIn Nigeria, said AI was changing how people learn, work and build careers. She stressed that students needed to understand these changes early enough to make informed decisions about their education and professional futures.
The conference, themed Future Ready: Succeeding in an AI-Driven World, focused on helping young people understand the opportunities available to them as artificial intelligence continues to influence education and employment.
Experts Say Nigeria Must Introduce AI Education Early
Lola Olukuewu, a chief artificial intelligence officer, urged Nigeria to begin integrating AI into school curricula rather than waiting until technological changes become unavoidable.
She warned that the country risked reacting too slowly to developments already reshaping education systems worldwide. According to her, students should be exposed to AI early enough to understand its applications and prepare for future career demands.
Olukuewu also pointed to changes in international education, arguing that Nigerian schools needed to reconsider how they prepare learners for a rapidly changing employment market.
David Ogebe, a technology expert, similarly argued that Nigeria’s education system was not adequately preparing students for industry requirements. He called for a curriculum that better connects classroom learning with practical skills and workplace expectations.
The discussions reflect growing concerns about the gap between traditional education and the competencies employers increasingly require. AI education could help students develop problem-solving, analytical and digital skills while giving them a clearer understanding of emerging professions.
However, introducing AI should involve more than teaching students how to operate digital tools. Learners also need to understand how the technology works, where it can be useful and why its outputs require critical evaluation.
Also Read: Why African Universities Are Expanding AI Degree Programmes to Prepare Students for the Future
AI Skills and Teacher Training Remain Important
Introducing AI into Nigerian schools will require adequate preparation for both students and teachers. Schools need appropriate learning materials, digital infrastructure and educators who can guide learners in using the technology responsibly.
A 2024 study published in Computers and Education Open examined the views of Nigerian teachers, students and policymakers on integrating AI into school education. The research on AI education in Nigeria highlighted the importance of stakeholder participation, teacher readiness and the support required to implement AI learning effectively.
There are also practical concerns about unequal access to computers, reliable electricity and internet connectivity. Without deliberate investment, introducing AI could widen the existing gap between well-equipped private schools and public schools with limited resources.
Recent developments suggest that Nigeria is beginning to address some of these challenges. In September 2026, the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria announced plans to develop an AI-powered system for generating classroom resources. As reported by Punch Newspapers, the initiative is intended to support teachers rather than replace them.
These efforts could complement wider reforms if AI literacy becomes part of a structured curriculum supported by teacher training and accessible learning resources.
Back Story: Nigeria’s Push for AI in Education
Calls to introduce artificial intelligence into Nigerian schools predate the 2026 conference. In April 2025, data and AI expert Abel Aboh urged the Federal Government to integrate AI education from the nursery level upwards, arguing that young Nigerians should learn not only to use existing technologies but also to develop new solutions.
His position, reported by Punch, reflects a wider debate about whether Nigeria’s education system is moving quickly enough to prepare learners for an AI-driven economy.
For Nigeria, the challenge is not simply to add another subject to the curriculum. It is to ensure that students acquire useful skills, teachers receive adequate support, and schools can access the resources needed to make technology-based learning effective.
As AI becomes more prominent across industries, early and responsible AI education could help Nigerian students compete for global opportunities while applying their knowledge to local problems. The success of such a move will depend on turning these recommendations into practical, inclusive and sustainable education policies.
Also Read: Governments Increase STEM Investment to Prepare Workforce for Future Skills Demand
