The Osun State Government issued a call yesterday for the integration of digital technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to tackle the increasing issue of out-of-school children.
It emphasized that creative learning solutions have the potential to close educational disparities and enhance access to quality education for vulnerable and marginalized students.
The Commissioner for Education, Adedipo Eluwole, made this appeal during a two-day media dialogue focused on Digital Learning, Artificial Intelligence, and Skill Development for out-of-school children, which was organized by the Osun State Ministry of Education in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
Eluwole, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Murtala Adekilekun Jimoh, pointed out that the rise of digital technology and AI offers unprecedented opportunities to revolutionize educational delivery and ensure that no child is left behind in the pursuit of education.
He remarked that millions of children globally, including a significant number in Nigeria, are excluded from the formal education system due to socio-economic, geographical, and security-related obstacles, which prevents them from realizing their full potential and making meaningful contributions to society.
He stated that digital learning platforms are already transforming the educational landscape by making learning more accessible, flexible, inclusive, and engaging.
“When deployed responsibly, artificial intelligence can tailor learning experiences, identify educational gaps, assist teachers, enhance educational planning, and offer innovative solutions to reach children who are currently outside the formal education system,” he noted.
Jimoh underscored the importance of stakeholders ensuring that every child reaps the benefits of technological advancements, asserting that the dialogue was both timely and strategic in exploring innovative methods for integrating out-of-school children into educational environments through technology-driven initiatives and skills acquisition programs.
He emphasized that education in the 21st century must extend beyond mere academic success to encompass essential practical digital, entrepreneurial, and life skills necessary for self-sufficiency and future job prospects.
The permanent secretary further highlighted the vital function of the media in fostering educational advancement through the creation of awareness, advocacy, and engagement in policy matters.
”The media has the potential to highlight the difficulties encountered by children who are not in school while also promoting innovative solutions and success narratives that motivate action,” he stated.
He called upon the forum participants to thoroughly assess both the opportunities and challenges linked to digital learning and artificial intelligence, especially concerning digital access, literacy, online child safety, and sustainable initiatives that prepare children with skills for the future.
Osun, UNICEF Advocate Digital Learning, AI To Tackle Out-of-School Children Crisis
