From the Ground Up: Leveraging AI to Transform Education at the School Level in Nigeria

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) births the dawn of a new learning paradigm, offering innovative solutions for personalized learning, automated assessments, and administrative efficiency. However, in Nigeria, AI adoption in education remains limited due to infrastructural deficits, lack of teacher training, and financial constraints. In this study, we examine the potential of AI in transforming Nigerian schools by analysing its applications, benefits, and challenges. A mixed-method approach was employed, incorporating survey data from 582 respondents, including students, teachers, and administrators, alongside qualitative insights from interviews and case studies. Findings reveal that AI-powered personalized learning platforms and automated grading systems are the most preferred applications, significantly enhancing student engagement and teacher efficiency. However, major barriers such as inadequate digital infrastructure, high implementation costs, and limited AI literacy among educators hinder widespread adoption. To address these challenges, the study proposes a structured AI integration framework that includes policy recommendations, capacity-building strategies, and scalable implementation models. The study concludes that while AI presents transformative opportunities for Nigeria’s education sector, its successful adoption requires a collaborative effort involving policymakers, educators, and technology providers. These findings provide valuable insights for stakeholders aiming to bridge the digital divide and foster AI-driven educational innovation in Nigeria.