Recent School News in Nigeria
AI in Nigerian Schools
Experts are urging the Nigerian government to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the national school curriculum, starting from the nursery level, to ensure the country remains globally competitive in the fast-evolving digital economy. With AI transforming industries across the world—from healthcare and finance to agriculture and education—stakeholders in the education and technology sectors emphasize that early exposure is critical. Introducing AI concepts such as basic logic, pattern recognition, machine learning, and responsible technology use from an early age will help Nigerian students develop the foundational skills required to thrive in the future job market.
UNICEF Calls for Action
UNICEF has raised serious concerns over the urgent need to protect pupils and improve school access in Nigeria, citing alarming statistics that reveal over 18 million Nigerian children are currently out of school.
This staggering figure not only highlights a national education crisis but also points to deeper issues such as poverty, insecurity, displacement, and systemic underinvestment in the education sector. According to UNICEF, even among children who are enrolled in school, many struggle with foundational literacy and numeracy skills—unable to read a simple sentence or solve basic math problems appropriate for their age group. The organization emphasizes that education is not only a fundamental human right but also a critical driver of national development, social stability, and economic growth. The fact that millions of children are being denied this right poses a significant threat to Nigeria’s future.
Education Reforms
The Federal Government has officially directed the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) to adopt Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for their examinations starting from the year 2026.
This directive marks a major shift in Nigeria’s approach to public examinations and reflects the government’s broader commitment to digitizing the education sector in line with global best practices. According to the Ministry of Education, the move is aimed at improving efficiency, reducing examination malpractice, and preparing students for a technology-driven world. Computer-Based Testing, which has already been adopted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for the UTME, is now set to become the standard for secondary school certificate examinations. The transition will require significant upgrades in infrastructure, digital literacy, and training for students, teachers, and exam administrators nationwide.
Low School Turnout
Schools across Lagos and neighboring states have reported low student turnout as the new academic session officially kicks off, raising concerns among educators, parents, and education authorities.
Despite the official resumption date marking the beginning of a new school calendar, many classrooms remain half-empty, with several schools operating below expected attendance levels. School administrators in both public and private institutions have attributed the low turnout to a combination of factors, including the ongoing economic hardship, delayed fee payments, insecurity in some areas, and a general lack of preparedness among parents and guardians.