EXPERTS ADVOCATE CURRICULUM REFORM TO EQUIP NIGERIANS FOR DIGITAL FUTURE

OSUN AI LITERACY -  Experts Advocate Curriculum Reform to Equip Nigerians for Digital Future

In a bold stride toward digital transformation, stakeholders in Nigeria’s education and innovation sectors have convened in Osogbo, Osun State, to champion a national movement for Artificial Intelligence (AI) literacy.

The initiative, titled “AI Literacy for Everyday People,” was unveiled during a high-profile press conference held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre.

The event marked a pivotal moment in the country’s efforts to integrate AI education into the national curriculum and prepare citizens for the evolving demands of the global digital economy.

At the heart of the campaign is the Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative (BBYDI), a non-governmental organization committed to youth empowerment and technological inclusion.

BBYDI’s Communications Director, Sanni Alausa Issa, emphasized the urgency of equipping Nigerians, especially young people, with foundational knowledge of AI, ethical considerations, and safety awareness. He described the project as a national effort to make AI “understandable, usable, safe, and inclusive,” aligning with the Federal Government’s newly introduced curriculum reforms for basic and senior secondary schools.

The Osun State launch brought together a diverse coalition of education stakeholders, media professionals, civil society groups, and innovation partners. Their shared goal: to ensure that AI literacy becomes a cornerstone of Nigeria’s educational framework.

The event highlighted the transformative potential of AI across industries and daily life, urging the government to embed ethics-based and AI-focused modules into the school system. According to BBYDI, such reforms are essential not only for economic competitiveness but also for safeguarding citizens against the misuse of emerging technologies.

Experts at the forum stressed that AI is no longer a futuristic concept but a present-day reality shaping communication, healthcare, finance, agriculture, and governance.

They warned that without deliberate educational interventions, Nigeria risks falling behind in the global race for digital innovation. The curriculum reform, they argued, must go beyond technical skills to include critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and responsible AI use.

The Osun AI Literacy initiative is part of a broader national campaign that will roll out across other states, with workshops, training sessions, and community outreach programs designed to demystify AI for everyday Nigerians.

BBYDI’s approach is rooted in inclusivity, aiming to reach underserved populations and bridge the digital divide.

As Nigeria stands on the cusp of a technological revolution, the Osun AI Literacy project signals a proactive shift in policy and public engagement. It reflects a growing consensus among experts that the future of education must be digital, ethical, and inclusive, empowering every Nigerian to thrive in an AI-driven world.