AI CANNOT REPLACE NIGERIAN TEACHERS, EDUCATION MINISTER ALAUSA SAYS

AS AI ADVANCES, ALAUSA SAYS NO MACHINE CAN REPLACE THE NIGERIAN TEACHER

Artificial intelligence may transform how Nigerian students access information and how teachers deliver lessons, but it cannot replace the human judgement, encouragement and connection provided by professional teachers, Minister of Education Tunji Alausa has said.

Alausa made the declaration on Monday during Nigeria’s 2026 World Teachers’ Day commemoration and the President’s Teachers’ and Schools’ Excellence Awards ceremony in Abuja.

AI AS A TOOL, NOT A TEACHER

The minister acknowledged that artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies are changing education. He said such tools can expand access to knowledge and help teachers tailor lessons to individual learners.

But he drew a clear distinction between technology and the human role of a teacher.

“Technology and Artificial Intelligence are changing how knowledge is accessed and used. These tools can help teachers reach learners and tailor instruction, but the judgement, encouragement and human connection of a skilled teacher remain indispensable,” he said.

TEACHER WELFARE REMAINS CENTRAL

Alausa said the Federal Government would prioritise professional development and equip teachers to use emerging technologies responsibly.

He said teachers needed professional respect, continuous career development, appropriate teaching resources, fair recognition and improved working conditions.

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The minister also called for stronger collaboration among federal and state governments, school leaders, professional bodies, organised labour, development partners, communities and parents.

TECHNOLOGY IS CHANGING THE CLASSROOM

The minister’s comments come at a time when AI tools are increasingly being used by students and educators for research, lesson preparation, personalised learning and administrative tasks.

That expansion has also created concerns over cheating, misinformation, plagiarism, overreliance on automated systems and the possible erosion of human interaction in education.

Alausa’s position is that Nigeria should not respond by rejecting the technology.Instead, teachers should be equipped to use it while retaining professional judgement.

RECOGNISING TEACHERS

The minister also used the occasion to recognise teachers and schools that have distinguished themselves.

He said the President’s Teachers’ and Schools’ Excellence Awards were designed to celebrate professionalism, innovation and leadership in education. He also acknowledged teachers who did not receive awards, stressing that their daily contribution to Nigerian children’s development remained important.

ValidViewNetwork reports that the debate over AI in education should therefore not be framed simply as humans versus machines. The more immediate question is whether Nigeria can equip its teachers to use powerful new technologies without surrendering the human elements of education that technology cannot replicate.