The Lagos State Ministry of Education has cautioned students against using artificial intelligence as a substitute for independent learning, urging teachers to guide learners on the ethical and responsible application of AI in education.

The appeal was made during an AI Literacy Workshop for Teachers organised by the ministry in collaboration with Paradigm Initiative. The programme trained 76 teachers drawn from 40 secondary schools across Education District III, equipping them with the skills to promote the responsible integration of AI into classroom teaching and learning.

Speaking at the workshop, the Assistant Director at the Education District III headquarters, Mrs Ololade Omoshalewa, said the initiative was designed to prepare teachers to help students understand how to use artificial intelligence appropriately rather than relying on it to complete academic work.

While acknowledging growing concerns about students depending on AI to carry out assignments, Omoshalewa stressed that the appropriate response was not to reject the technology but to educate learners on its responsible use.

She also urged the Federal Government to strengthen investment in digital infrastructure across public schools, noting that inadequate facilities continue to limit the effective adoption of AI in education.

According to her, closer collaboration between government and the private sector would help provide schools with computers, reliable electricity and other digital resources needed to support modern teaching methods.

“Many of our public schools do not yet have the infrastructure required to maximise the benefits of artificial intelligence. Government support, alongside private sector collaboration, is critical if schools are to embrace digital learning,”she said.

Omoshalewa explained that school principals selected participants based on their computer literacy and their ability to share the knowledge gained with fellow teachers and students.

Also speaking at the event, the Senior Programme Officer at Paradigm Initiative, Mr Ihueze Nwobilor, said the workshop was intended to prepare educators to equip students for a future where artificial intelligence will play an increasingly significant role.

He described secondary school students as the next generation of AI developers, innovators and digital leaders, adding that strengthening teachers’ capacity is essential to preparing them for that future.

Nwobilor said the training covered both the advantages and challenges of AI, including misinformation, inaccurate responses and the risks associated with excessive dependence on AI-generated content.

“Our goal is to ensure teachers understand what AI can do, what it cannot do, and how it can be used responsibly in education,” he said.

He added that participants were introduced to ethical AI practices that would enable them to guide students to use the technology as a learning aid rather than a replacement for critical thinking.

According to Nwobilor, the initiative is expected to create a multiplier effect, as teachers who completed the programme will return to their schools to train colleagues.

He further disclosed that Paradigm Initiative intends to extend the programme to other Nigerian states and African countries as additional resources become available.

Nwobilor also revealed that the organisation had developed the Digital Rights in Demand Online Learning Platform to give teachers continued remote access to digital literacy and AI training materials.

The Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Smait Maven, Mrs Blessing Egbe, said the programme was created to help educators better understand both the opportunities and potential risks associated with artificial intelligence.

She observed that AI has become too widely adopted to discourage its use entirely, emphasising that attention should instead focus on responsible adoption.

“The idea of telling people to stop using AI is no longer practical. Our goal is to ensure that teachers understand AI and can help students adopt it responsibly,” she said.

Egbe identified overdependence on AI, weakening critical thinking abilities, misinformation and algorithmic bias as some of the major concerns linked to the technology.

She added that the training encouraged educators to combine AI tools with critical-thinking approaches so that students continue to develop analytical and problem-solving skills.

Representing participants, Mr Daniel Erondu, a teacher at Ebute Elefun Junior High School, said the workshop had transformed his perspective on introducing AI into the classroom.

According to Erondu, AI can become an effective learning partner when teachers design assignments that require students to analyse information and engage in meaningful discussions rather than simply generating answers.

He also appealed to the Federal Government to increase investment in AI infrastructure, particularly for underserved schools.

“The government should invest more in artificial intelligence, particularly in underserved schools that do not have these facilities. By providing computers and reliable internet access, students will have greater opportunities to use AI to improve their learning,” he said.

Source: Punch