…educators urged to embrace generative AI to enhance learning, future readiness
Lekan Yusuf, Ibadan
The Oyo State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, alongside education experts and technology leaders, has called on teachers and school administrators to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a transformative tool capable of improving teaching effectiveness, enhancing learning experiences and preparing students for a rapidly evolving digital future.
The call was made during the second edition of the Digital Educator Empowerment Program (DEEP 2.0), organised by Ibadan Digital Academy (IDA) in partnership with DigitalBridge Publishing Studio (DBPS).
The programme, themed “Generative AI for Teachers: Practical Tools for Modern Teaching,” attracted educators, policymakers, academics, school administrators and technology professionals who gathered to explore the growing role of Artificial Intelligence in education and its practical applications in classrooms.
Speaking during his welcome address, Chief Executive Officer of Ibadan Digital Academy, Engr. Peter Ojo, challenged educators to rethink how emerging technologies are reshaping education and the competencies students will need in the coming decades.
According to him, teachers have a crucial responsibility to equip learners with the skills required to thrive in a future increasingly driven by digital technologies and Artificial Intelligence.
“What skills will today’s pupils need to succeed in the year 2040? More importantly, are we preparing them for that future today?” he asked.
Engr. Ojo noted that while AI is revolutionising the way people work, communicate, and learn, the future of education will continue to depend on teachers who are willing to adapt, innovate, and embrace lifelong learning.
He stressed that Generative AI offers educators opportunities to improve productivity, foster creativity, and devote more time to mentoring students and supporting their individual learning needs.
Representing the Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola, the Director of Applied Science and Technology, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Fawole, described Artificial Intelligence as one of the most transformative innovations of the modern era and underscored its growing importance in education.
She explained that Generative AI can support educators in lesson planning, assessment design, instructional content development, communication, and professional growth.
According to her, educators should regard AI as a complementary tool rather than a threat to their profession.
“Technology can provide information, but teachers provide wisdom. Technology can automate tasks, but teachers transform lives,” she stated.
Mrs. Fawole reaffirmed the commitment of the Oyo State Government to advancing digital education through teacher capacity building, STEM initiatives, digital literacy programmes, and the responsible adoption of emerging technologies aimed at improving learning outcomes.
She also commended Ibadan Digital Academy and DigitalBridge Publishing Studio for creating a platform that empowers educators to understand and harness the opportunities presented by Artificial Intelligence.
Delivering the keynote address, renowned educator, author, and external examiner, Dr. Ayo Akano, traced the evolution of teaching methodologies from traditional classroom instruction to today’s digitally enabled learning environments.
While acknowledging the rapid advancement of educational technologies, Dr. Akano maintained that teachers remain at the heart of effective learning.
“The teacher is irreplaceable,” he declared.
He explained that AI should not be viewed as a replacement for educators but as a tool that enhances teaching effectiveness and enables teachers to focus on uniquely human responsibilities such as mentorship, critical thinking development, and character building.
Also speaking virtually from the United States, the Vice-Chancellor of West Midlands Open University, Professor Olumide Longe, urged educators to focus on the opportunities created by Artificial Intelligence rather than its perceived threats.
Professor Longe observed that technological disruption has always been part of educational progress and encouraged schools to rethink traditional assessment methods by adopting approaches that prioritise practical demonstrations, presentations, creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
According to him, such competencies will become increasingly valuable in a world where access to information is readily available through technology.
One of the major highlights of the programme was a practical demonstration session that introduced participants to leading Generative AI tools, including ChatGPT, Gemini, Canva AI, and other productivity platforms.
Facilitators demonstrated how the technologies can be applied to lesson planning, assessment development, content creation, differentiated instruction, classroom engagement, and administrative efficiency.
Participants also received guidance on key ethical issues surrounding AI adoption, including responsible usage, academic integrity, data privacy, and digital citizenship.
Speaking on the significance of the initiative, the organisers noted that DEEP was established to equip educators with practical digital skills, emerging technology knowledge, and innovative teaching strategies capable of improving learning outcomes and preparing students for future opportunities.
They explained that the partnership between Ibadan Digital Academy and DigitalBridge Publishing Studio reflects a shared commitment to strengthening education through teacher development, technology integration, and curriculum-aligned educational resources.
The event also featured the presentation of educational publications developed by DigitalBridge Publishing Studio to support technology education and digital literacy in Nigerian schools, including _Basic Digital Literacy for Primary 4_ and _Digital Technologies for JSS 1_.
Participants described the programme as timely, insightful, and highly relevant, particularly as educators seek practical ways to integrate Artificial Intelligence into teaching and learning.
The organisers expressed their commitment to expanding future editions of the programme and continuing efforts to equip educators with the skills, knowledge, and tools needed to thrive in an increasingly digital educational landscape.
The Digital Educator Empowerment Program (DEEP) is a collaborative initiative of Ibadan Digital Academy and DigitalBridge Publishing Studio focused on empowering educators through digital skills training, emerging technology education, professional development, and innovative teaching practices.
