A tech expert, Abel Aboh, has advised the Nigerian government to incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI) education into school curriculum. Aboh emphasized embedding AI education from the nursery level upward to prevent the country from falling behind rapidly advancing international standards.
The data manager and a board member at a data lab in Scotland stated this during an interview on Channels Television today. Aboh highlighted that Nigerians should not just use AI technologies but build and innovate with them.
He continued by noting that AI and digital skills are no longer optional but essential for country development. The data manager stressed that schools without internet or computer access are no longer viable in this contemporary era. He therefore urged Nigerians to catch up and integrate artificial intelligence as it is a compulsory thing that needs to happen.
Aboh in his speech, commended the training of three million Nigerians in tech skills, noting that it is a good number. However, he added that the scope remains limited compared to the nation’s population and youthful demographic.
The data manager therefore called for AI integration across Nigeria’s universities and colleges, including secondary and primary schools. He emphasized that AI should not be for coding and data science but also to develop and build the tools effectively.
Aboh continued by noting the crucial roles Artificial intelligence plays in combating poverty and hunger across the country. The tech expert stressed that AI can have a vital part in addressing economic challenges through job and innovation opportunities.
Also, Aboh urged the government and policymakers to formalize Nigeria’s national AI strategy which is still in draft form. He continued by highlighting the importance of fast-tracking the digital economy bill which is yet to be passed into law.
The data manager concluded by noting that the government needs to set the trajectory, while the public sector needs to trigger it quickly.
