August 16, (THEWILL) — Nigeria has been charged to act decisively by embracing Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a catalyst for educational reform and youth empowerment as it strives toward a digital economy.
The charge was part of the recommendations of the 1st Annual National Conference of the College of Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education (COVED), Lagos State University of Education, Oto/Ijanikin.
Held from Tuesday, 12th to Friday, 15th August 2025, at LASUED Odonoforija Campus in Epe, the conference brought together academics, policymakers, researchers, students, entrepreneurs, curriculum developers and other stakeholders from across the country to critically examine how AI can be leveraged in Vocational and Entrepreneurship development, and how this can be translated into sustainable development.
Presenting his keynote address, Prof. Josiah Oluwasegun Ajiboye, emphasised the need for new innovations in education, warning that “what worked before doesn’t work today.” He stressed that education will never disappear, but will continue to take up different forms.
Titled “Education in the 21st century: Artificial Intelligence and other Technological disruptions- Implications for teacher Education”, Prof. Ajiboye highlighted the basic features of contemporary education, which he said must be personal, delivered in a flexible form and characterised by practical applications.
However, Prof. C.M. Ile, who presented the lead paper, highlighted some of the challenges to AI integration in Vocational and Entrepreneurship in Nigeria.
These, he said, include Infrastructural deficits/gaps which create a digital divide that exacerbate educational inequality and limit Nigeria’s ability to achieve quality education, decent work, economic growth and industry innovation; shortage of skilled manpower, digital literacy gaps, resistance to change and cultural perception, ethical concerns and data privacy issues amongst others.
On the impact of AI in Education, the conference emphasised that Technology will not replace teachers. It, however, warned that teachers who don’t know how to use technology will be replaced by those who know how to use technology.
Noting that education will remain and take different forms, the conference cautioned teachers who want to be relevant in the digital age to learn and embrace new innovations.
Lamenting the dearth of skills that match numerous available jobs, the conference calls for: the development of a National AI Policy Framework for Education; investment in digital infrastructure; innovations to enhance teachers’ confidence; encouraging research and innovation; curriculum redesign and digital content development; restructuring of curricula in vocational and Entrepreneurship education to include AI related skills, including data analysis and digital Entrepreneurship; inclusive access and closing the gender gap; strategic industry partnership and mentorship initiatives.
Emphasising that AI holds vast potential to revolutionise vocational and entrepreneurial education in Nigeria, offering scalable, adaptive and inclusive tools to address educational challenges, the conference urged the Federal Government to develop a comprehensive policy on AI integration in education.
Earlier, LASUED Vice Chancellor, Prof Bidemi Bilikis Lafiaji-Okuneye, described the conference theme as a “powerful call for action”. Declaring the conference open, the VC, represented by Head of Odo Noforija Campus, Prof Olumuyiwa Anthony Viatonu, urged participants at the event to embrace innovation and create tangible solutions.
On her part, host of the conference and Acting Dean of the College of Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education (COVED), Dr Beatrice Oganah-Ikujenyo, expressed appreciation to the Vice Chancellor for her visionary leadership, which led to full accreditation of 64 programmes. She also commended members of the Local Organising Committee, including Dr Adeola Kiadese Lukmon (Chairman), Dr Salako Yusuf Adeshina (Secretary), Dr Adeyemi Adedayo Patrick, Dr Olayinka Olalekan, Oke-Potefa Oladele Sewanu and Mrs Okezue Stella Ekpelechi for their dedication.
Chairman of the conference and former ASUU National President, Prof. Abiodun Ogunyemi, thanked the Vice Chancellor and Dr Beatrice Oganah-Ikujenyo for the opportunity to chair the maiden national conference of the college.
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