Experts at the 4th Womenovate World Education Day Conference (WEDC25) have called for increased investments in Artificial Intelligence (AI) to tackle educational disparities in underserved regions across Africa. The conference, held on Friday in Abuja, focused on the theme “Learning for Lasting Peace: Educational Equity Through AI—Tools for Advancing Education in Underserved Areas.”
Motunrayo Opayinka, CEO of Womenovate, emphasized AI’s potential to transform Africa’s education sector. “AI offers a unique opportunity to rewrite Africa’s educational story by addressing our unique challenges and providing localized solutions,” she said, urging investments in infrastructure, funding, and public awareness to drive AI adoption.
Felista Afu, Senior Partnerships Manager at AfriLabs, highlighted the importance of collaboration between governments, the private sector, and innovation hubs. She called for inclusive policies to bridge the digital divide, ensuring equitable access to technology for marginalized communities and promoting gender inclusion.
Kashifu Abdullahi, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to digital literacy. Represented by Ahmed Tambowa, Acting Director of Digital Literacy and Capacity Building, Abdullahi highlighted NITDA’s phased “110-100 approach,” which aims to train 180,000 Nigerians in digital skills by 2025.
“AI will create more jobs than it replaces, opening doors to higher-paying roles while automating lower-paying ones,” Tambowa noted, emphasizing the need to prepare the workforce for a tech-driven future.
