Can Technology Truly Fix the Cracks in Our Education System?

For many years, the Nigerian education sector has struggled with poor infrastructure, outdated curricula, and underfunding. Recently, universities across the country have started turning to technology as a possible game-changer. From artificial intelligence to digital skills training, institutions are slowly finding creative ways to fix the cracks in the system.

At the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Vice-Chancellor Prof. Owunari Georgewill says the school is taking a bold step by developing an Artificial Intelligence (AI) framework. A committee has been set up to create a policy that will guide how AI is used for teaching, research, and administration. “Currently, there is no AI policy in place, not just in UNIPORT but in most universities,” Prof. Georgewill noted. “We are working to change that, because AI has become part of everyday life.”

Experts say such moves are timely. According to Prof. Tanko Ishaya, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, the COVID-19 pandemic exposed just how unprepared Nigeria’s universities were for digital learning. “ICT is now essential for educational resilience — from virtual classrooms to AI-driven administrative systems,” he said during the 2025 Annual Conference of the Committee of Directors of ICT of Nigerian Tertiary Institutions (COMDICT-NTI) in Abuja.

However, challenges remain. The Chairman of COMDICT-NTI, Daniel Yakmut, pointed out that poor infrastructure, irregular power supply, and low funding are still slowing down digital transformation. “We have adopted ICT tools in some areas, but full integration is far from reality,” he explained. “We need collaborative leadership and strategic planning to sustain innovation.”

Meanwhile, the University of Lagos (UNILAG) is showing how a partnership with the private sector can make a difference. The university recently teamed up with Tecno Mobile to launch a Digital Skills Career Initiative, training students in coding, app development, digital marketing, and e-commerce. Selected students will also get internships and mentorship from tech professionals.

According to Tecno’s Head of Corporate Social Investment, the goal is to build a generation of graduates who can compete in a digital economy. A UNILAG official added, “This initiative bridges the gap between classroom learning and the real world. It is about preparing students for the future.”

While technology alone cannot solve all the problems in Nigeria’s education system, experts believe it offers a strong foundation for the future and greater adaptability. Indeed, as universities innovate and collaborate, a new kind of learning — one that mixes knowledge with digital skills is finally beginning to take root.