Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, has stated that artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies should be viewed as tools for enhancing the effectiveness of teachers rather than as threats to their jobs. He made this statement at the 59th National Conference of Delegates of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), held in Enugu. The governor welcomed delegates to Enugu and described the conference theme as timely, given the rapid transformation brought about by AI.
Mbah noted that there was no justification for resisting AI, comparing its growing influence on society to the impact of the steam engine during the Industrial Revolution. He emphasized that technology should be deployed to improve productivity, innovation, and effectiveness in the education sector, rather than being seen as an instrument that would take away jobs. According to him, AI can assist teachers by personalizing learning, supporting lesson preparation, identifying learning gaps, and expanding access to knowledge.
However, Mbah stressed that AI cannot replace the human qualities that make a teacher, such as the ability to inspire, mentor, understand a child's individual circumstances, build character, and kindle ambition. He emphasized that the future is not about teacher versus technology, but rather teacher with technology. The governor also highlighted the need for safeguards to ensure that AI deployment in education is ethical and beneficial to both teachers and learners.
Mbah identified critical measures that must accompany AI adoption in education, including ethical standards, data protection, responsible regulation, and continuous capacity-building for teachers. He stated that teachers should not become victims of the technological revolution but should instead be positioned as principal beneficiaries and drivers of the transformation. With necessary safeguards and capacity-building, concerns surrounding AI would give way to informed confidence and responsible adoption.
The governor spoke about his administration's education policies, stating that education has been treated as a transformative instrument rather than a routine government function. In the last 40 months, his government has invested significantly in school infrastructure, technology, curriculum innovation, and teachers' capacity and welfare. Mbah disclosed that 6,850 teachers and other education personnel have been recruited to improve the student-teacher ratio towards accepted global benchmarks.
Mbah further stated that education has consistently received 33% of the state's total budget across three budget cycles under his government, exceeding the 15-20% benchmark recommended by UNESCO. He also cited the establishment of fully equipped, technology-driven Smart Green Schools across the state's 260 wards as part of efforts to prepare children for future demands. These investments are based on the conviction that a world-class education system requires a well-equipped and motivated teaching workforce.
The governor commended the Governor of Kebbi State, Mohammed Nasir Idris, for his contribution to the teaching profession and his presence at the conference, demonstrating his commitment to education and human capital development. He also commended the NUT National Executive Council for convening the conference and the Registrar of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, Dr Ronke Shoyombo, for efforts towards restoring dignity, pride, and professionalism to the teaching profession.
Key points
- Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, says AI will not replace teachers but make them more effective in the classroom.
- Mbah's government has invested significantly in education, including recruiting 6,850 teachers and allocating 33% of the state's budget to education.
- The governor emphasizes the need for safeguards to ensure AI deployment in education is ethical and beneficial to both teachers and learners.
