by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The University of Jos has graduated 986 teachers, from the Faculty of Education for 2023/2024 academic session.
The 12th Oath Taking and Induction ceremony of the graduated teachers was held at the University Multi-Purpose Hall, Main Campos of the University, Bauchi Road Jos on Wednesday.
While speaking at the event, themed, ‘Innovations in Teaching in the Advent of Artificial Intelligence in Nigeria,’ Prof. Elisha Habila Zuya from the Department of Science and Technology Education, Faculty of Education University of Jos, observed that, “Nigeria’s education system faces chronic constraints, large class sizes, uneven teacher supply, urban-rural disparities, and variable access to electricity and broadband.
“At the same time, Nigeria enjoys high mobile penetration, a youthful population, and a fast-growing ed-tech ecosystem.
“These twin realities make Artificial Intelligence uniquely compelling. Artificial Intelligence (AI), defined as ‘computer systems capable of performing task that normally require human intelligence’ (Russell & Norvig, 2020), provides opportunities to address these problems for teachers,” he stated.
According to him, “AI promises time-saving, planning, grading, administration, more precise diagnostics, and differentiated instruction at scale. For learners, it offers personalized pathways, feedback in real time, and supports in multiple languages, including English, Nigeria Pigin, and major indigenous languages.”
Prof. Zuya stressed that, “In Nigeria, where the demand for quality education continues to outpace available resources, AI innovations could serve as a catalyst for transforming teaching and learning.”
He noted that, “Artificial Intelligence is increasingly transforming global education by providing innovative solutions to long-standing challenges in teaching and learning, while Nigeria, with its rapidly-growing population and strained education system, stands at the edge of a technological shift.”
He also noted that, “Traditional teaching methods often adopt a one-size-fit of approach, which may not meet the needs of all learners. AI supports online learning platforms that adapt to students’ needs using voice recognition, language translation, and intelligent content delivery.
“For Nigerian students in rural or underserved areas, virtual classrooms could bridge the gap in access to qualified teachers,” he said.
Speaking also, Registrar/CEO Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), Dr. Mrs Ronke Soyombo, who was represented, narrated that, “As an educator, you have to focus; without education there is no development, and you should know that your education is the best in the whole world,” she said, and charged the passing-out teachers to go and change the narrative and ensure that they impact the right knowledge to the students and the people.
“We want you to match out, change the narrative of teaching and learning; this is your period. You should remember the future is in your hands.
“Those students that will be placed under your custody, please and please, see them as your own and ensure that you bring out the best in them. Let their potentials be brought out; let them see you as their ‘Alfa and Omega’ of their lives,” she urged.
The Registrar/CEO also urged them to be good symbols of their institutions and carry the white flag of the University of Jos, saying, “And let’s see you as good academicians.”
Also, Deputy VC Academics of the University of Jos, Prof. Rahila P Gowon, who represented the VC, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, said, “AI takes care of categories of manners. When you are using it, you can be communicating, and it supports teachers in development,” and noted that, “AI should help teachers, not to replace teachers.”
The VC congratulated and urged them to “give the children out there a quality education.”