The Federal Government has launched an Artificial Intelligence training programme to equip 6,000 selected senior secondary school teachers across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The initiative, organised by the National Senior Secondary Education Commission seeks to integrate AI into the educational system, enhancing teaching methods and empowering educators with the skills to prepare students for a technology-driven future.

At the flag-off ceremony of the training, as well as the unveiling of the minimum standards for senior secondary education in Abuja, yesterday, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, said the programme is a landmark in its collective commitment to equipping teachers with the skills necessary to prepare students for the rapidly evolving digital age.

“The world is undergoing a technological revolution, and Artificial Intelligence is at its core. AI is no longer a futuristic concept but a present-day reality, transforming industries, economies, and societies.

“As educators, we must embrace this evolution and ensure our education sector is not left behind. The integration of AI into pedagogy offers an unprecedented opportunity to enhance learning experiences, personalise education, and develop critical thinking skills among our students. Our goal is to prepare them for careers in a technology-driven world, where AI literacy will be as fundamental as reading and writing.

“This document, which was developed by NSSEC through extensive collaboration with stakeholders and approved by the National Council on Education, will serve as a guiding framework to ensure that senior secondary education across Nigeria adheres to high-quality standards. It is our blueprint for ensuring consistency, accountability, and measurable improvement in our education sector”, he stated.

The Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Ahmed, said the world is moving rapidly towards a digital future, and Nigeria must not be left behind.

According to her, the introduction of AI into Nigeria’s education system will enhance both teaching methodologies and learning experiences, ensuring that our students are better prepared for global opportunities.

The minister, who was represented by her Special Assistant on Technical Matters, Dr. Clara Ujam, said the Ministry of Education, under the administration of President Bola Tinubu has placed a high premium on education reforms aimed at ensuring Nigerian students are equipped with 21st-century skills.

“The AI in Pedagogy training is a vital component of these reforms, ensuring our teachers acquire the necessary skills to facilitate innovative and technologically-driven education.

“To our dedicated teachers, you are at the centre of this transformation. The knowledge and expertise you acquire through this training will have a ripple effect on our students, preparing them for a world where digital and AI skills are indispensable. I encourage you to embrace this opportunity fully and apply the knowledge gained to enrich classroom experiences,” she said.

Also speaking, the executive secretary of NSEEC, Dr. Iyela Ajayi, said the official unveiling of the Developed Minimum Standards for Senior Secondary Education and flag-off of an online Google-sponsored AI in Pedagogy training of 6,000 Senior Secondary School Teachers across the country marks a pivotal moment in the pursuit of excellence in education, bearing in mind the Renewed Hope Agenda on our nation’s education system.

Ajayi said, “As we embark on this journey of national renewal under the visionary leadership of Mr President Bola Tinubu, we must recognise that education is not merely a tool for individual advancement, but the cornerstone of a prosperous and equitable society.

“What we are about to witness today is a reflection of our collective commitment to excellence, equity, and relevance in our senior secondary education system. As we all know, education is the bedrock of any progressive society, and the senior secondary level plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of our young ones, preparing them for higher education, employment, and lifelong skills.”

The virtual training programme, which is sponsored by Google Research and supported by Data Science Nigeria and Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, is aimed at enhancing the AI pedagogical skills among senior secondary school teachers across the 36 states and the FCT. The training is packaged in five modules and is expected to run for a period of five weeks.

Following the revelations that late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola won the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, former Abia State Governor and current Senator for Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, has called on President Bola Tinubu to officially recognise the late politician as one of Nigeria’s past presidents.

Kalu suggested that Abiola’s portrait should be placed alongside those of other former leaders at the Presidential Villa as a sign of acknowledgement.

He made the call while speaking with journalists at the Senate before yesterday’s plenary session.

This was in reaction to the revelations from the newly released memoir of former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida (retd.), where he admitted that Abiola won the June 12, 1993, presidential election.

He stated, “Yes, Abiola won the election. And I will say President Tinubu should declare him a president posthumously.”

While praising former President Muhammadu Buhari for awarding Abiola a posthumous national honour, he insisted that more should be done.

“Since Abiola won, his picture should be placed among Nigeria’s past presidents. I commend former President Buhari for giving him a national honour, but I also appeal to President Tinubu to officially recognise him and place his image where it belongs. This would help bring succour to his family,” Kalu stated.

When asked about Babangida’s memoir, Kalu said it did not provide the full story, urging Babangida to publish a second volume to clarify unanswered questions about the annulled election.

He stated, “I look forward to the second edition of Babangida’s book because the first did not reveal all the realities. I was present during the events of June 12, and I know what happened. Babangida should call out the names of those responsible for preventing the election declaration.”

He also dismissed claims that the 1966 coup was planned along ethnic lines, stating, “The coup in question was not an Igbo coup; it was a Nigerian coup, executed by the military.”

Kalu reaffirmed that Abiola was the rightful winner of the 1993 election.

“Moshood Abiola won that election, and there is no doubt about it,” he emphasised

When asked about the next presidential election, Kalu subtly expressed support for Tinubu’s reelection bid in 2027, saying confidently: “Yes, Asiwaju will win in 2027.”

He urged Nigerians to be patient with Tinubu’s government, adding that history has shown that even presidents who were not initially well received have secured second terms.

He said, “We are appealing to Nigerians to be patient with the reform process. We are not looking for another presidential candidate outside our party. We are fully aligned with democratic principles and supporting the sitting president.

“The good news is that we will win again in 2027. The president will return, and Nigerians will celebrate with us. That is inevitable.”

The Chairman-cum-Chief Executive Officer of Moni Pulo Limited, Dr. Seinye Lulu-Briggs,  has been named 2024 African Philanthropist of the Year at the prestigious African Leadership Magazine (ALM) Persons of the Year Awards, organized by the African Leadership Organization in Casablanca, Morocco.

The award recognises her extensive humanitarian work and commitment to social impact and nation-building.

Dr Lulu-Briggs, through the O.B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation, has provided healthcare, education, economic empowerment, elder care, and access to justice to over one million people in Nigeria over the past two decades.

Former President of Tanzania and chair of the advisory board of the African Leadership Organisation, Dr Jakaya Kikwete praised the honourees for their leadership and contributions to Africa’s development.

Also speaking at the auspicious event, President Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar and the Prime Minister of Uganda, Robinah Nabbanja both highlighted the importance of economic development, investment in social infrastructure, and inclusive leadership in shaping Africa’s future.

Accepting the award before an audience of political, business leaders and policymakers from across the African continent, Dr. Lulu-Briggs expressed deep gratitude to the organisers and framed her philanthropic work as a lifelong mission.

Quoting 2nd Corinthians 9:12, she highlighted the spiritual essence of service: “This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.”

She dedicated the honour to the communities her foundation supports, stressing that their strength and resilience serve as an inspiration to continue expanding her work.

With the O. B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation funding medical outreaches, scholarships, community emergency interventions as well as social welfare programmes for vulnerable groups in Nigeria, the industrialist highlighted the importance of sustainable and long-term humanitarian efforts, noting that philanthropy is a journey, not a final destination.

According to her, “This recognition is especially meaningful, coming shortly after receiving the 2024 Special African Business Leadership Commendation Award and my induction into the African Business Leadership Council at the House of Lords in the UK. These honours reaffirm that philanthropy is not an endpoint—it is a continuous commitment to uplifting others and transforming lives.”

The award comes a day after she delivered a moving address at the ALM Policy, Investment, and Development Breakfast Forum, where she called for industrialisation as the key to Africa’s economic transformation.

“Philanthropy can ease suffering, but industrialisation creates jobs and gives people the dignity of lifting themselves out of poverty. That is the true difference. Yet, philanthropy itself depends on economic strength. Without the means, our goodwill is limited to good intentions,” she said.

She pointed to financial barriers that limit business growth in Africa, citing her own experience of shifting bank policies that hinder business expansion. She called on policymakers and business leaders to implement innovative financing systems, industrial policies, and investment incentives to foster sustainable development.

The high point of the evening was the special recognition conferred on Dr. Seinye Lulu-Briggs by the State of South Carolina in the United States of America.

The members of the South Carolina House of Representatives honoured Dr. Seinye Lulu-Briggs with an official House Resolution, recognising her exceptional contributions to philanthropy and business.

The resolution, introduced by Representative Henderson-Myers and her colleagues, commended her for transformative leadership, sustainable business practices, and unwavering dedication to humanitarian causes.

It highlighted her achievements, including leading Moni Pulo Limited to five million man-hours without lost-time injuries, fostering sustainable development in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, and improving the lives of vulnerable populations through the O.B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation.

The resolution reads in part:

“With a heart dedicated to nurturing local talent and creating long-term societal impact, High Chief Dr. Lulu-Briggs continues to lead with compassion, fostering positive change in the communities she serves.”

The honour was officially presented on February 13, 2025, in the South Carolina House of Representatives, signed by Speaker of the House G. Murrell Smith, Jr. and Clerk of the House Charles F. Reid, underscoring international recognition of her impact.

With her latest honour as African Philanthropist of the Year, Dr Lulu-Briggs said the award serves as a renewed call to action, urging greater collaboration between business, government, and civil society. She expressed gratitude to her team, partners, colleagues, and family, acknowledging their role in the foundation’s success.

“I accept this award as a renewed call to action—to serve more, build more, and inspire more—because together, we can power Africa’s transformation,” she said.

Dr. Seinye Lulu-Briggs reaffirmed her commitment to expanding her philanthropic efforts while continuing to advocate for economic policies that promote job creation, industrial growth, and sustainable wealth.