Beyond the Industrial Age: Future-Proofing Nigerian Education with AI and IT..
I want to clarify that my intention is not to criticize the government or education policymakers.
As a concerned citizen and educator, I believe platforms like this allow me to express my views.
Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts.
We all know that our curriculum was reviewed and Information Technology (IT), Physical and Health Education (PHE), Basic Science, and Basic Technology were merged under the umbrella of Basic Science and technology.
Ideally, it was just a play on language. Nothing was truly merged, as each subject still stands alone under Basic Science and Technology. The information technology content has scanty content that barely scratches the surface of what is required in today’s technology-driven world.
I implore you to research and compare our information technology curriculum with the UK computing curriculum and share your discoveries with me.
Our IT curriculum should introduce students to not just the basics but also the applications of IT in real-world scenarios.
Even if artificial intelligence will be introduced to our curriculum, we already know how it will turn out—It may still be at the same level one of Bloom’s Taxonomy and DOK Level 1.
This level focuses on mere recall of facts, far from the deeper understanding and application required in today’s world.
I suggest that artificial intelligence be fully taught as a subject under technology.
Check our curriculum to see what topics are taught under technology: machines, woodworking, electricity etc.
While these are good and were developed during the industrial age, we have since left that era. This is the technology age, where AI is revolutionizing every sector. Shouldn’t we, as a nation, be concerned and prioritize this?
Let me drive this home:
Aliko Dangote is worth 11.4 billion USD using the industrial system. Imagine the heavy machines and workspace and the physical labour involved here.
Mark Zuckerberg is worth 184.2 billion USD using the tech system. This is more of a brain work, creating and maintaining softwares and apps.
If we continue focusing on the current topics in our Basic Technology curriculum, we will raise people like Dangote. However, if we shift our focus toward tech and AI, we will produce people like Mark Zuckerberg.
Our society needs both Dangotes and Mark Zuckerbergs, so we must prioritize both areas in our educational system.
There is a correlation between AI and the GDP of a nation. AI streamlines operations and makes us work faster, saving us time.
If time is money, it means AI will help us generate more revenue. If we, as a nation, are not proactive about this technology and the AI buzz now, by 2050, we will still be in the current technological state of 2024, while the rest of the world has moved on.
The curriculum needs to be overhauled to include topics that teach students about AI’s real-world applications and its ethical use. This will prepare our children for the future of work.
It is urgent that the curriculum be revamped to keep pace with the rapid changes in technology. And the training of teachers should commence immediately.
Some of us in generation X, Y must have missed it..our Gen Z and Gen Alpha must not miss it.
If Nigeria as a nation will not fall behind the global economy, integrating AI into our curriculum from primary 3 to the higher institution is not an option.
Favour L. Idogun
Experiential Learning and AI in Education Expert.
