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Nigeria Poises for AI Leadership as Education Stakeholders Push Data-Driven Reform
Nigeria Poises for AI Leadership as Education Stakeholders Push Data-Driven Reform
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria can emerge as a continental leader in artificial intelligence if it fixes the fundamentals of data governance and institutional readiness, experts declared at a major policy workshop in Abuja focused on transforming school administration through technology.
The high-level session, themed “Data and AI for School Administration: From Records to Results in Nigeria’s Education System,” was convened by the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria. Hosted at the NOI Polls Building, the event drew more than 200 participants physically and virtually, including policymakers, school leaders, examination officials and education administrators from across the country.

Discussions centred on how structured data systems and emerging artificial intelligence tools can improve transparency, strengthen school governance and deliver measurable learning outcomes.
Delivering the keynote address, AI strategist and Founder of Fimio, Dr. Omoju Miller, said Nigeria’s demographic advantage and global diaspora network position it uniquely in the global AI economy. However, she cautioned that adoption without domestic capacity-building would leave the country dependent rather than competitive.
“AI is inevitable,” she said, noting that the real strategic decision for Nigeria lies in whether it will simply use AI tools developed elsewhere or cultivate the expertise to design and govern its own systems responsibly.
Participants agreed that while enthusiasm for AI is growing, the deeper challenge lies in fixing persistent weaknesses in data management. Dr. Agodi Alagbe, Founder of the Centre for Teaching and Learning Academy, argued that Nigeria’s education system suffers more from fragmented and unreliable datasets than from technological deficits.
“Nigeria’s education challenge is not AI; it is data,” she said. “Reform must begin with accurate, validated and structured data that can inform policy decisions.”
She pointed to inconsistencies in enrolment records, teacher deployment statistics, infrastructure audits and learning performance metrics as obstacles that undermine effective planning and accountability.
Offering a state-level reform example, Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Abayomi Arigbabu, joined virtually to present his state’s transition from paper-based administration to integrated digital platforms. He outlined the deployment of Education Management Information Systems (EMIS), Student Management Systems (SMS) and Learning Management Systems (LMS) as part of broader institutional reforms.
According to him, digital transformation is achievable even in resource-constrained environments when guided by clear policy direction and disciplined implementation.
Moderating the session, Chidima Chidoka, Director of the Athena Centre, stressed that artificial intelligence amplifies existing systems — whether strong or weak. She noted that without credible data architecture and institutional safeguards, AI adoption could compound inefficiencies rather than solve them.
At the conclusion of the workshop, participants who completed assessment modules were awarded certificates, while participating institutions are expected to receive customised AI Preparedness and Data Governance Assessment Reports. The reports will identify operational gaps and recommend structured pathways for responsible AI integration.
Organisers described the workshop as part of a broader push to embed evidence-based governance in Nigeria’s education sector. Participants unanimously agreed that strengthening the country’s education data infrastructure is the indispensable first step toward building a modern, accountable and AI-ready school system.
As conversations around artificial intelligence accelerate globally, stakeholders at the Abuja gathering made one point clear: Nigeria’s opportunity will depend not on how quickly it adopts AI, but on how effectively it builds the systems to sustain it.
Nigeria Poises for AI Leadership as Education Stakeholders Push Data-Driven Reform
News
Nigerian Embassy in Kuwait Issues Safety Advisory to Citizens Amid Regional Tensions
Nigerian Embassy in Kuwait Issues Safety Advisory to Citizens Amid Regional Tensions
By: Michael Mike
The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the State of Kuwait has urged Nigerian nationals in Kuwait and Bahrain to remain calm, vigilant, and compliant with host government ldirectives in light of prevailing regional developments.
In a circular dated March 1, 2026, and referenced NKT/GA/C/004/Vol. I, the Embassy — which holds concurrent accreditation to the Kingdom of Bahrain — advised citizens to strictly observe safety guidelines and official advisories issued by authorities in both countries.
The mission encouraged Nigerians to stay informed by monitoring credible local news outlets and official government announcements in Kuwait and Bahrain. It assured the community that it is closely tracking the situation and maintaining communication with leaders of Nigerian groups and associations in both countries.
To enhance real-time communication, the Embassy announced the creation of a dedicated mobile and WhatsApp line to ensure active engagement with nationals.
For further inquiries or assistance, Nigerians were advised to contact the Embassy via email at nigeriakuwait@yahoo.com or through the designated telephone and WhatsApp numbers provided by the mission.
The Embassy reaffirmed its commitment to the safety and welfare of all Nigerian citizens in its jurisdiction and pledged to continue providing timely updates as the situation evolves.
Nigerian Embassy in Kuwait Issues Safety Advisory to Citizens Amid Regional Tensions
News
Gov. Fintiri’s defection will boost APC’s chances of winning in 2027 – Dr Girei
Gov. Fintiri’s defection will boost APC’s chances of winning in 2027 – Dr Girei
Dr Salihu Bakari Girei, Gubernatorial aspirant under the platform All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027 described the defection of Governor Ahmadu Fintiri to the ruling party as a welcome development for the APC in the state.
Girei said that his defection is coming at the right time to galvanise the party’s victory in 2027 General Elections at the national and sub national level.
Dr Girei who is one of the founding fathers of the APC in the state disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Yola.
He said, Fintiri joined APC at the right time considering his outstanding performance in the state which he said was in line with President Tinubu’s transformation agenda.
He added that the defection would add value to the APC family and also help deliver dividends of democracy to the ordinary people that are yearning for good governance as well as to fast-track development.
He said Fintiri has performed credibly well, in line with his 10-point agenda for the state to justify the people’s trust in his leadership and administration.
Dr Girei further lauded President Bola Tinubu for his effort and strategy in addressing Nigeria’s challenges for and ensuring rapid development.
He said, “President Tinubu is very strategic in addressing Nigeria’s challenges and many now understood that Mr President meant well for this country and has turned the fortune of the country around for good.”
According to him, records have shown that the dollar has crashed, the economy stabilized, security improved, food is affordable and issues of strikes are no more among others.
Bakari-Girei said, all these are factors that naturally attract people joining the APC across the country for more development in the country.
He queried those saying that President Tinubu is turning the country into a one-party system, recalling that the PDP once had 30 governors and no one complained.
“Today people have decided to join APC because of many factors initiated by the President Tinubu administration that naturally attracted people to join APC and support Mr President.”
He pointed to President Tinubu’s history as governor of Lagos, where opposition platforms continued to function, as evidence of his commitment to multi-party democracy.
He also appreciated the foresight of the President for appointing Malam Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser who has invested much in APC in the state.
He further urged unity and understanding of all APC stakeholders in the state for the progress and success of the party at all levels.
Gov. Fintiri’s defection will boost APC’s chances of winning in 2027 – Dr Girei
News
Community Court of Justice, ECOWAS Moves to Boost Enforcement of Judgments with High-Level Talks in Republic of Guinea
Community Court of Justice, ECOWAS Moves to Boost Enforcement of Judgments with High-Level Talks in Republic of Guinea
By: Michael Mike
The Community Court of Justice, ECOWAS will hold a high-level bilateral meeting in the Republic of Guinea from March 2 to 4, 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen the enforcement of its judgments across Member States.
The three-day engagement, organised in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States, is expected to bring together the Court’s delegation, Guinea’s Competent National Authority (CNA), senior government officials, and representatives of civil society to address persistent challenges in implementing the Court’s rulings.
At the heart of the meeting is the push to close the gap between judicial decisions and their execution at the national level. While the ECOWAS Court continues to deliver landmark judgments on human rights, governance, and community law, enforcement remains a critical concern in several jurisdictions. The Guinea dialogue is aimed at building a more effective, coordinated, and transparent enforcement framework.
Discussions will focus on practical strategies to improve compliance rates, streamline procedures, and strengthen collaboration between national institutions and the regional court. Participants are expected to review existing bottlenecks, share best practices, and identify sustainable solutions that can enhance uniformity in enforcement mechanisms across the sub-region.
The programme will include a dedicated forum examining the current status of enforcement of the Court’s judgments in Guinea, alongside presentations on the Court’s enforcement processes and the national legal landscape. Civil society organisations will also engage directly with the Court in a bilateral dialogue designed to promote accountability and inclusive participation.
Beyond the technical sessions, the Court’s delegation will pay courtesy visits to key government figures, including the Minister in charge of ECOWAS Affairs, the Minister of Justice, the Minister of Finance, the President of the Supreme Court, and the Speaker of Parliament. Meetings are also scheduled with the Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission and the President of the Bar Association.
The delegation will be led by the President of the Court, Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves, and will include Vice-President Sengu Mohamed Koroma, Honourable Justice Gberi-Bè Ouattara, as well as directors and other officials.
Similar bilateral meetings have previously taken place in the Republic of Sierra Leone and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, reflecting the Court’s broader strategy to institutionalise cooperation and reinforce the authority of its judgments throughout West Africa.
As ECOWAS marks five decades of regional integration, the Guinea engagement signals a renewed determination to ensure that the decisions of its judicial arm are not only pronounced but fully implemented—strengthening the rule of law and deepening trust in regional justice systems.
Community Court of Justice, ECOWAS Moves to Boost Enforcement of Judgments with High-Level Talks in Republic of Guinea
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