AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation The International Day of Education, observed annually on January 24, celebrates the important role of education in fostering global peace, sustainable development, and prosperity. This year’s theme, “AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation,” highlights the dual role of artificial intelligence as a powerful tool for enhancing education while emphasizing the need to maintain human-centered approaches. Lately, a lot of concerns have been raised about the dependency and overrelaince on AI systems and it has been stated that gradually Artificial intelligence (AI), known by some as the industrial revolution (IR) 4.0, is going to change not only the way we do things, how we relate to others, but also what we know about ourselves and this fast becoming a prophecy fulfilled.  AI is the simulation of human intelligence with the use of advanced technologies while “preserving human agency” underscores the importance of ensuring that humans maintain control of learning processes and cognitive decisions. Together, the theme depicts the need for us to harness AI to empower learners and educators while safeguarding their cognitive autonomy. Truly, education in the age of AI presents both opportunities and challenges. AI-powered tools can personalize learning experiences, automate administrative tasks, and expand access to education. However, the increasing reliance on automation raises concerns about the potential erosion of critical thinking, creativity, and ethical decision-making. This International Day of Education serves as a reminder that while AI can complement human efforts, it must never replace the irreplaceable qualities of human interaction, empathy, and ingenuity. Preserving human agency ensures that education remains a transformative force rooted in human values and aspirations. To effectively integrate AI while preserving human agency, the following strategies can be adopted: Ethical AI Integration: Develop and implement AI tools that prioritize transparency, inclusivity, and fairness in education. Empowering Educators: Provide teachers with training and resources to use AI as a supportive tool rather than a replacement. Personalized Learning: Use AI to adapt educational content to the unique needs and abilities of each learner, fostering inclusivity. Human-AI Collaboration: Design systems where AI supports rather than replaces human decision-making, ensuring that educators retain control over learning processes. Critical Thinking Skills: Incorporate curricula that teach students to critically evaluate AI-generated content and understand its limitations. In addition, a range of resources can support the integration of AI in education while preserving human agency: UNESCO’s AI and Education Guidelines: Frameworks and policies for the use of AI in education. AI Literacy Programs: Initiatives that teach educators and students how to effectively use and critically assess AI tools. Collaborative Platforms: Online communities where educators share best practices for using AI in classrooms. Research Publications: Studies on the impact of AI on education and strategies for maintaining human agency. Kindly click the links to read from some brilliant researchers. To commemorate this year’s International Day of Education, we have created a video that highlights the significance of “AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation.” This visual presentation captures insight on how AI is shaping the future of learning while retaining the essence of human involvement , the limited access to technology and how we must equip our teachers to use these innovations without losing the human touch that makes education so impactful. Click here (Add link to youtube post) to watch the video. The theme “AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation” calls on all stakeholders to act thoughtfully and collaboratively. Here’s how you can contribute and also collaborate with us: Advocate: Raise awareness about the ethical use of AI in education and its potential to empower learners and educators. You can do this by sharing our post Innovate: Develop AI tools that prioritize human-centric approaches to learning and teaching. Collaborate: Partner with educators, technologists, policymakers, and AYGF to support the creation of balanced AI-driven educational systems, and drive other education initiatives. Engage: Participate in posts, forums, workshops, and discussions on AI and education to stay informed and contribute to policy development. At AYGF, we are committed to bridging education gaps. Through our BLOOM Project—Bridging Learning Opportunities for Out-of-School Minors—we aim to send 2 million children back to school. It’s a bold goal, but one we are pursuing with passion and purpose. Alongside this, we are empowering teachers with the skills they need to thrive in a world of evolving technology. Also, as we celebrate the International Day of Education, we at AYFG embrace the potential of AI to revolutionize learning while steadfastly preserving the human essence that makes education a force for good while encouraging you to do the same. Enjoyed this post? 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In line with AYGF’s mission to ensure maximum impact for minorities and vulnerable communities, we are thrilled to announce our latest initiative: the BLOOM (Bridging Learning Opportunities for Out of School Minors) Project. According to a 2024 report by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Nigeria has one of the highest rates of out-of-school children globally, with girls disproportionately affected, making up 62% of the over 20 million children lacking access to education. This represents a significant rise of over 96% from the previous estimate of 10.5 million in 2021.  In response to this alarming increase, AYGF held a Pre-launch of the Bridging Learning Opportunities for Out-of-School Minors (directly addressing the core issues outlined in Sustainable Development Goal 4 – Ensuring Inclusive and Equitable Quality Education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all). The pre-launch was held July 4th 2024 at LEA Primary School in the Karonmajigi community, FCT Abuja and Key stakeholders, including representatives from UNESCO, FCT-UBEB, CSACEFA, and Karonmajigi community leaders graced the event.  Our Executive Director, Dr Arome Salifu in his opening remark, noted that the major goal of the BLOOM Project is to get at least 2 million out-of-school children aged 5-10 back to school by 2030. He further stated that the BLOOM initiative represents AYGF’s commitment to starting small but impactful efforts in communities like Karonmajigi to create a world where every child has the opportunity to be educated. The event featured a welcome rendition and drama performance by the pupils showcasing the impact of drug abuse on young people. To inspire these students and keep education at the forefront of their minds, AYGF paid the fees for 65 at-risk students and will enrol 30 out-of-school pupils from the community into the school by September 2024. Your support can make a significant difference in the lives of these children, and together we can ensure every child has a chance to BLOOM.   AYGF Enrolls 30 Vulnerable, Poor Children Into Primary School In Abuja Community

AYGF was thrilled to be a part of the Nile University Career Fair yesterday. Our team, led by the Executive Director Dr. Arome Salifu, alongside the Senior HR Officer Ese Moweo, and Head of Programs Nelson Egbunu, had the opportunity to connect with students and discuss the work we do at AYGF in driving impact and change in the society. We were passionate about sharing information on the various thematic areas where students can get involved. It was inspiring to see the enthusiasm and commitment of the future generation. Opportunities to get involved with AYGF, either through volunteering or internship programs, were also presented to the students. We look forward to staying connected and supporting these young leaders as they embark on their careers.

AYGF celebrated our leaders of tomorrow and the boundless potentials of every child on May 27th, in honor of Children’s Day. Every dream deserves a chance, every voice deserves to be heard, and every child deserves a life full of joy and opportunities. In light of this celebration, let’s unite to ensure every child has the right to education, good healthcare, good food, love and protection. “For every child, every right”

The AYGF team led by the Executive Director Dr. Arome Salifu also visited the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The team was well received by Oladeji Adeyemi the National Project Officer (Education For Health and Wellbeing)                                                        The strategic meeting with UNESCO touched on the need to increase the impact in the education sector, and performance in the development space in Nigeria. 

Empowering the Next Generation: International Day of Girls in ICT 2024 Globally, only 20% of tech jobs are held by women. This statistic highlights the significant gender disparity in the tech industry and underscores the urgent need for initiatives that encourage more girls to pursue careers in ICT (Information and Communication Technology).  The 2024 International Day of Girls in ICT theme is “Leadership,” at AYGF, we embraced this theme by organizing an event to sensitize and inspire 20 young girls. The AYGF Program Officers Ifeoluwa Prince and Caroline Godwin, IT Manager Shedrach Obi, and Communications Officer Ikenna Madu with their combined expertise and enthusiasm provided a rich, engaging experience for the participants. During the event, our team shared valuable insights into the tech industry, discussed the various opportunities available, and emphasized the importance of leadership in shaping the future of ICT. The girls participated in interactive sessions designed to build their confidence and equip them with the skills to navigate and succeed in the tech world. As we celebrate the 2024 International Day of Girls in ICT, we reaffirm our dedication to empowering girls through education and leadership development. By investing in these young minds today, we are paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable tech industry tomorrow. 

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) recently released the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Exam (UTME) results, revealing a significant number of candidates scoring below the benchmark of 200. This recent discovery has raised concerns about educational attainment amongst the young ones and its impact on Nigerian society.  According to data from JAMB 76% of candidates scored below 200 a substantial decline in performance compared to previous years. Out of nearly 2 million registered candidates, over 80,000 were absent. While 1.9 million attempted the exam, results for over 64,000 are withheld for potential examination malpractice.  These statistics paint a worrying picture as a high number of students failing JAMB creates a bottleneck in accessing tertiary education. This can have several downstream effects and a huge setback for Nigeria especially in a competitive world, where Nigerian universities rank very poorly among their continental and global peers.  Students who fail JAMB face a delay in their educational goals and this not only impacts their individual aspirations but also creates a backlog of applicants vying for limited university placements. A large pool of graduates without higher education can contribute to the growing issue of unemployment, underemployment and also lead to frustration and a sense of lost potential within the youth which could also give room for high crime rate. As a non-governmental organization dedicated to educational development, we believe a multi-pronged approach is crucial: Strengthening Secondary Education: Improving the quality of secondary education, including robust teacher training and curriculum development, can better prepare students for standardized tests like JAMB.  Alternative Pathways: Exploring alternative routes to higher education, such as vocational training or skill development programs, can offer opportunities for students who may not excel in traditional academic settings. Psychological Support: Addressing the anxiety and pressure surrounding standardized tests through counseling services can help students perform to their full potential. The recent JAMB results highlight the need for a comprehensive look at our education system. We urge stakeholders, including government, educational institutions, and NGOs, to work together to create a system that fosters learning, supports student success, and equips young Nigerians with the skills they need to thrive in the 21st century. We will continue to analyze these trends in the educational sector and offer insights on how we can collectively work towards improving educational outcomes for Nigerian youth.