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The Oyo State Government has said that its adoption of artificial intelligence in basic education is already yielding remarkable progress in literacy and numeracy among pupils.
Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Nureni Adeniran, disclosed this in Ibadan while speaking on the ongoing reforms introduced under Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration.
According to him, the state’s partnership with EIDU, a German technology-based education innovation firm, has brought new energy into classrooms across the state.
“About a year ago, Governor Seyi Makinde signed a partnership with EIDU to introduce an AI-driven teaching model in four pilot schools. The results so far have been impressive. Pupils are learning faster, teachers are better equipped, and for the first time, a child in a rural village is being taught with the same standard of instruction as a child in the city,” Adeniran said.
He noted that the reforms are not only transforming learning outcomes but also driving up school enrolment.
“In schools where we used to record between 50 and 70 pupils, we now have over 100. Children are eager to come to school simply because they don’t want to miss the chance of using digital learning devices,” he added.
Adeniran described Nigeria’s education challenge as “alarming,” stressing that urgent, technology-driven interventions were necessary to reverse the trend.
“National and international reports show that about 70 per cent of Nigerian children aged 10 cannot read and understand a simple passage. UNESCO data also confirms that Nigeria contributes more than 20 per cent of the out-of-school children in Sub-Saharan Africa. If nothing is done, the country risks raising an unprepared generation,” he warned.
He however pointed out that Oyo’s experiment proves that technology can bridge the gap.
“This innovation has demonstrated that technology can democratise learning. It is a model that other states must embrace if we are to safeguard the future of our children,” the SUBEB boss said.
He also commended Governor Makinde for what he called an “unprecedented commitment” to the education sector.
“When the present administration came in, the education budget hovered around five per cent. The governor has since raised it to over 20 per cent of the state’s total budget. That is a clear signal that education is at the heart of his development agenda,” he said.
So far, no fewer than 1,039 teachers have been trained under the scheme, with another 3,090 teachers and 76 quality assurance officers already brought on board.
Adeniran said the training has not only sharpened teachers’ skills but also improved their confidence and classroom delivery.
“The AI system also monitors each child’s progress in real-time, so teachers can quickly identify learners who need additional support. That way, no pupil is left behind,” he explained.
He urged other states to take a cue from Oyo, stressing that literacy and numeracy are the foundations of national development.
“A trader with education will run a better business. A craftsman with education will innovate faster. Strengthening literacy and numeracy is not just about schooling, it is about building the economy and empowering our people,” Adeniran stated.
The SUBEB chairman also acknowledged the barriers that keep many children out of school, citing poverty, cultural and religious practices, and ignorance of the long-term benefits of education.
“Many families still struggle to prioritise schooling. That is why government must continue to make education attractive, affordable, and accessible. What we are doing in Oyo State is one bold step in that direction,” he added.
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