Robust Data & Governance Systems Requisite For AI-Integrated Education

Experts have said that Nigeria can play a leading role in the global artificial intelligence landscape through education if it addresses the lack of robust data and governance systems necessary for an AI-integrated learning system.

The education and AI experts made this known at the Applied Leadership Workshop on ‘Data and AI for School Administration: From Records to Results in Nigeria’s Education System’, organised by the Athena Centre for Policy & Leadership in partnership with the US Embassy, Nigeria.

The real-tual workshop, which convened over 200 education leaders across the country in Abuja, focused on advancing data-driven school governance, coupled with responsible AI integration.

Speaking at the event, Founder of the Centre for Teaching and Learning Academy, Dr Agodi Alagbe, stressed that the challenge in Nigeria’s education system is not AI but the absence of data governance. “Quality, structured, and measurable data must inform reform at all levels. Good data governance precedes digitisation.”

She said inconsistent and poorly validated datasets on enrollment, teacher deployment, learning outcomes, and infrastructure are significant barriers to effective policy design.

In his address, Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Abayomi Arigbabu, noted that the transition from paper-based administration to integrated digital systems in schools is possible, even in infrastructure-constrained environments, so long as it is supported by institutional discipline and policy clarity.

He cited the state’s DiPER application experience as a successful example of this type of situation.

But preparedness meets opportunity, said the programme’s moderator and director of Athena Centre, Chidimma Chidoka, noting that AI can only strengthen governance where strong systems already exist.

It is in such preparedness that the opportunity to build an AI-driven innovation economy, represented by Nigeria’s global diaspora network and demographic strength, can become a reality, Dr Omoju Miller.

In her presentation, the computer scientist, AI Strategist, and Founder of Fimio reiterated that while AI adoption is inevitable, national competitiveness will depend on building the capacity to lead, not merely participate.

Thus, the participants affirmed, strengthening Nigeria’s education data architecture is the essential first step towards building a modern, accountable, and AI-ready school system.