Oyo Gov’t Dangles AI-backed Reforms To Curb Low Literacy Rates

Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board said artificial intelligence-backed education reform will play a pivotal role in solving Nigeria’s deepening learning crisis.

Chairman of Oyo SUBEB, Dr. Nureni Adeniran told The PUNCH in a interview that the state’s partnership with a German education innovation firm, EIDU, had already shown promising results in improving literacy and numeracy in primary schools.

“About a year ago, His Excellency, Engineer Seyi Makinde, entered into a partnership with EIDU. This introduced an AI-backed pedagogy in four pilot schools. The results are already significant—pupils in the pilot schools have developed digital literacy, while teachers have embraced new teaching methods. The system ensures a uniform pedagogy across schools—so a child in a remote village now receives the same quality of teaching as one in a developed community,” Adeniran said.

He stressed that the reform was also raising school enrollment figures. “In schools where enrollment had been between 50 and 70 pupils, numbers rose to around 100 after the programme began. Learners now look forward to school because they don’t want to miss opportunities to use the digital devices,” he noted.

Adeniran stressed that Nigeria faces a severe learning crisis requiring urgent and innovative interventions.

“The truth is that the situation in Nigeria is deeply concerning. Literacy and numeracy levels are far below expectations, and this is reflected in both national and international data. According to the World Bank (2023), 70 per cent of 10-year-olds in Nigeria cannot read and understand a simple sentence—a situation described as learning poverty.

“Similarly, UNESCO reported in 2024 that Nigeria accounts for over 20 per cent of out-of-school children in sub-Saharan Africa. Without urgent reforms, Nigeria risks losing a generation of children who lack foundational skills,” he said.

Adeniran added that Oyo State’s AI-backed model indicates that states in Nigeria can embrace technology to address the problem.

“This innovation proves that technology can bridge gaps and deliver quality learning across diverse communities. It is a model other states can and should emulate,” he added.

He commended Governor Makinde for his unprecedented investment in education, which made the AI-backed reform possible.

“When His Excellency assumed office, budgetary allocation to education was between three to five per cent. He increased it to 10 per cent, and today Oyo State allocates over 20 per cent of its annual budget to education. That commitment underscores his conviction that education is the light and the foundation of development,” Adeniran said.

So far, 1,039 teachers have been trained under the initiative, while 3,090 more teachers and 76 quality assurance officers have also joined the programme.

Adeniran explained that teachers benefited immensely as the training improved their skills, boosted their confidence, and enhanced classroom management.

More importantly, he said the AI-backed system tracks each child’s progress, allowing teachers to identify those who need extra help in order to ensure no child is left behind.

Adeniran noted that strengthening literacy and numeracy through technology was key to national development.

“In the education sector, we strongly believe that whatever profession you pursue, education enhances your productivity. A trader with education is a better trader; a craftsman with education is more innovative. That’s why strengthening literacy and numeracy is not just about schooling—it’s about national development and empowerment,” he said.

He called on other states to adopt the Oyo State education reform model. “The commitment of His Excellency and the positive results we’ve recorded demonstrate that other states can and should emulate Oyo’s model of basic education reform.”