Olawale Olaitan, a Lagos-born statistician, alumnus of the University of Ilorin has advocated for artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionize Nigeria’s education system and workforce development .
Olaitan, a Master’s degree holder in Public Administration argues that AI offers a unique opportunity to address both the skills gap and unemployment issues in view of the country’s growing population and rapidly changing job market.
“Nigeria has a young, dynamic population, but we need to equip them with the right skills,” Olaitan said. “AI can play a crucial role in providing personalized learning experiences that meet the demands of the modern job market.”
An important key attribute of AI in education is its ability to tailor learning to individual needs. According to Olaitan, traditional education systems often struggle to engage students with different learning styles. AI can help solve this by offering customized content that adapts to each student’s pace and abilities.
“In many classrooms, students either find the material too easy or too difficult,” Olaitan explained. “AI can change that by delivering content that is just right for each student, which leads to better engagement and learning outcomes.”
Beyond improving classroom experiences, Olaitan sees AI as a tool for aligning education with real-world job demands. As industries increasingly seek professionals with skills like data analysis, digital marketing, and software development, AI can help vocational training programs stay current by integrating these skills into their curriculum.
“AI can predict labor market trends and help schools develop programs that match industry needs,” Olaitan noted. “This will ensure that graduates have the skills employers are looking for, making them more competitive in the job market.”
AI can also streamline the recruitment process for businesses. By analyzing large sets of job applicant data, AI tools can quickly match candidates with the right qualifications to open positions. Olaitan believes this will make hiring more efficient and help companies find the best talent faster.
However, Olaitan warns that Nigeria must overcome several challenges to fully benefit from AI. Access to technology, especially in rural areas, remains a major barrier. He calls on both the government and private sector to invest in infrastructure and digital literacy to ensure all Nigerians can access AI-driven education tools.
“If we want to harness AI’s potential, we need to invest in technology and train people to use it effectively,” Olaitan emphasized.
Incorporating AI into Nigeria’s education and workforce development systems could bring enormous benefits, creating a more skilled workforce and improving employment opportunities. As Olaitan puts it, “Embracing AI is not just an opportunity for Nigeria—it’s a necessity for the future.”
