Experts Urge Investment in AI to Bridge Educational Gaps in Underserved African Communities

At the 4th World Education Day Conference (WEDC25), experts called for increased investment in Artificial Intelligence (AI) to help address educational disparities in marginalized regions of Africa. Hosted by Womenovate in Abuja, the event focused on AI’s potential to reshape education by providing localized solutions to long-standing challenges. Motunrayo Opayinka, CEO of Womenovate, emphasized the transformative power of AI but warned that immediate action is needed to overcome barriers to access and adoption in Africa.

The conference explored how AI can promote educational equity in underserved areas, with discussions highlighting the importance of infrastructure, funding, and public awareness to drive adoption. Felista Afu of AfriLabs stressed the need for collaboration between governments, the private sector, and innovation hubs to equip young people with the necessary technology skills for the future workforce. A key point raised was the importance of inclusivity, particularly for marginalized communities, to bridge the digital divide and provide equal opportunities for all.

Kashifu Abdullahi, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to digital literacy in Nigeria. Through NITDA’s “110-100 approach,” they are working to equip Nigerians with skills to thrive in the digital age, with an ambitious training plan aimed at reaching 180,000 individuals across three phases. Experts agreed that AI holds the potential to create more jobs than it displaces, underscoring the need for proactive investment in technology and skill development.

Source: BUSINESS DAY