…as Olurinola, Folorunso’s EDAIL Project Empowers 6,000 Teachers Nationwide
Stakeholders in the education sector have called for the responsible and ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve teaching and learning outcomes in Nigerian schools.
They made the call at the Closing and Dissemination Ceremony of the Educators Artificial Intelligence Literacy (EDAIL) Project, held at the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) Centre, Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State.
The EDAIL Project, funded by the Google Academic Research Award, has so far trained over 6,000 teachers across Nigeria on AI literacy, digital competence, and classroom technology integration.
The event drew leading scholars and policymakers, including the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ayodeji Agboola; the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Olatundun Oderinde, Dean, Faculty of Education, Prof. (Mrs.) Adetayo, Director, Quality Assurance, Prof. Ayodeji Ifegbesan; the Principal Investigator, Dr. Kemi Olurinola, Co-Principal Investigator of the project, Dr. Sekinat Folorunso. Other distinguished educationists included Prof. Adejoke Jibowo of the University’s Faculty of Education, Dr. Olugbenga Akinola, the Ogun State Education Ambassador, Dr. Kayode Adewale, and Dr. Olubanwo, who represented the Dean Faculty of Science, Prof. Tunde Odetunde.
In his opening speech, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ayodeji Agboola, who congratulated the Google Academic Research Award winners on the successful completion of their project commended them for their dedication to advancing the frontiers of knowledge specifically in Artificial Intelligence literacy through hard work, collaboration, and expertise. “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Google Academic Research Award winners on the successful completion of this project. Your dedication in advancing AI literacy among educators is truly commendable and reflects our university’s commitment to innovation and excellence in education” He said the gathering was to “celebrate the impact and achievement of the EDAIL project” while “looking forward to hearing about the project’s outcomes and insights”.
The Principal Investigator, Dr. Kemi Olurinola, in her remarks, said the initiative was designed to equip teachers with essential skills to navigate the evolving digital education landscape. Olurinola added that the project’s success across the country reflected the determination of Nigerian teachers to adapt to modern teaching methods. She expressed appreciation to Google for its support and to the Management of Olabisi Onabanjo University for providing a conducive environment for the project’s closing ceremony. The event also featured a keynote paper delivered by Dr. Olalekan Adeeko titled “Rethinking Teaching, Learning, and Quality in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.” He urged educators to embrace innovation while maintaining ethical standards and prioritising human-centred learning.
In his remarks, the Ogun State Education Ambassador, Dr. Kayode Adewale, who served as one of the panelists, described the initiative as a “timely intervention” in preparing Nigerian teachers for the realities of AI-driven education.
“Having the right AI-titude means seeing AI as a support tool, and not a replacement for teachers. Artificial intelligence can handle repetitive tasks, giving teachers more time to focus on creative and meaningful classroom engagement,” Adewale said.
He dismissed misconceptions and fears that AI is always perfect and would displace educators, stressing that teachers remain central to the learningprocess and therefore required careful, and responsible use.
“AI is here to stay, it will not replace teachers, but it will reshape how we teach and learn. Our duty is to use it wisely, for the benefit of our students and the future of Nigerian education,” he concluded.
Speaking further, the Ogun State Education Ambassador commended the Google Academic Award winner for the enviable feats made possible by her expertise, spirit of collaboration, and commitment to excellence. “My deepest gratitude goes to Dr. Kemi Olurinola, the Principal Investigator of the EDAIL Project, for the honour of involving me as a facilitator in this groundbreaking national training that has already reached over 6,000 teachers across Nigeria” the Ogun Ambassador noted.
“Her passion for technology integration continues to inspire educators everywhere, and I pray for her continued strength and impact”, he added.