Stakeholders urged to embrace opportunities in AI to build a transformative, inclusive education

 

COMMUNIQUE OF THE NATIONAL HYBRID CONFERENCES OF THE 2025 FACULTY OF EDUCATION, NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY, AWKA.

Date: Wednesday, 10th – Friday 12th September, 2025

Venue: ASUU-NAU Secretariat

Preamble: Faculty of Education, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, hosted a National Hybrid Conference on the theme: “Advancing Education Innovations and Creativity in an Age of Artificial Intelligence. A Multidisciplinary Approach”. The conference brought together scholars, researchers, policymakers, technologists, education practitioners and students across disciplines. After robust deliberations, the following observations, resolutions and recommendations were made.

Observations:

- Artificial intelligent (AI) is rapidly transforming Education delivery, content creation, assessment systems and learning management worldwide.

- Nigerian and African Education systems are yet to fully embrace AI due to infrastructural gaps, low digital literacy network availability and limited policy frameworks.

- Creativity and Innovation remain essential to making tools meaningful, contextual and inclusive for learners of diverse backgrounds.

- The Multidisciplinary nature of AI requires and has brought about collaboration between education, computer science, psychology, linguistics, ethics, law, and industry for sustainable integration.

- Concerns were raised regarding ethical issues such as data privacy, academic integrity, algorithmic bias, and the fear of displacing human teachers, cost and accessibility, teacher resistance and training and dependence on technology, content quality and relevance.

- Opportunities exist to use AI in teacher professional development, personalized learning, inclusive education for learners with disabilities and large-scale education data management.

- AI creates opportunity for Institutional Management in the areas of curriculum intelligence, and optimization, LMS augumentation, proffering solutions, administrative actions, campus and surveillance.

Resolutions (Takeaways)

- The conference reaffirmed the critical role of AI in Advancing Creativity, Innovation, and Inclusivity in Education.

- It was agreed that Education Faculties must lead research into AI’s application, contextualizing global technologies for Nigerian and African realities.

- Stakeholders resolved to prioritise digital literacy and AI competencies as part of teacher training curricula.

- The conference recognized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration between universities, industries and government to build robust AI-enabled Education ecosystems

- Participants resolved to balance innovation with ethical consideration, ensuring that AI supplements rather than replaces human interaction in teaching and learning.

- It was agreed that AI adoption must be inclusive, catering to rural and underdeveloped communities to avoid widening the digital divide.

Recommendations

- Policy and Governance: Government should formulate clear policies on AI in education, emphasizing ethical use, data protection, and equitable access.

- There is an urgent need for capacity building among Faculty, pre-service teachers, and education stakeholders to maximise AI’s potential while safeguarding educational values.

- Infrastructure Development: Investment in ICT infrastructure, stable internet connectivity, and access to AI-powered tools should be prioritized at all education levels.

- Curriculum Innovation: Faculties and Universities of Education should embed AI literacy, critical thinking and creative problem-solving into curricula at all levels.

- Capacity Building: Continuous professional development programmes should be instituted for teachers and administrators to equip them with AI integration skills in the changing world.

- Research and Collaboration: Universities should strengthen research into AI and education, working in partnership with technological industries, government agencies and international bodies.

- Ethics and Inclusivity: Guidelines should be developed to address ethical concerns, protect learners’ rights, and promote inclusive practices for disadvantaged groups.

- Funding and Technical Support: Public and Private sector funding should be channelled towards innovative projects that use AI to improve access, quality and equity in education.

Conclusion 

The conference concluded that while Artificial Intelligence poses challenges, it offers immense opportunities to reimagine education in Nigeria and beyond. By fostering creativity, innovation, and multidisciplinary collaboration, stakeholders can harness AI to build a future-ready education system that is ethical, inclusive, and transformative.

Communique Group

1. Prof. C. A. Nwankwo - Chairman

2. Prof. Loyce C. Onyali - Vice-Chairman

3. Prof. Ngozi N. Agu ,- Member

4. Prof. Ngozi D. Obidike - Member

5. Prof. Maryann C. Ndirika- Member/Secretary