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By Saviour Ekpe
A Don from the Department of Data Science and Former Director, TETFund Centre of Excellence in Computational Intelligence Research, University of Uyo, Prof. Udoinyang Inyang has advocated for the inclusion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education if the country is to move beyond its present stage. The don made this advocacy in a keynote address he presented at the College Auditorium, Akwa Ibom State College of Education (AKSCOE), Afaha Nsit, Akwa Ibom State recently.
Prof. Inyang observed that Artificial Intelligence has emerged as one of the most transformative technologies of the 21st century, reshaping the way people learn, communicate, work, conduct business, receive healthcare and interact with government services. From virtual assistants and automated customer service to medical diagnosis, precision agriculture and intelligent transportation systems, AI is increasingly becoming an integral part of everyday life. However, while AI continues to create unprecedented opportunities, millions of people – particularly those in developing countries like Nigeria and underserved communities—remain excluded due to inadequate digital infrastructure, limited internet access, insufficient digital literacy and lack of AI education. This digital divide threatens to widen existing social and economic inequalities if immediate and deliberate action is not taken.
He noted that inclusive AI education is essential to ensure that every individual, regardless of age, gender, disability, socio-economic background, or geographical location, has the opportunity to understand and benefit from artificial intelligence. AI literacy should no longer be regarded as a specialized skill reserved for technology professionals. Instead, it should become a fundamental component of modern education, equipping students, workers, entrepreneurs and citizens with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world. He reasons that governments should integrate AI and digital literacy into educational curricula at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels. Teachers and lecturers must also receive continuous professional development to enable them to effectively teach AI-related concepts. Vocational institutions and community learning centres should offer practical AI training programmes that equip young people and adults with employable digital skills, thereby reducing unemployment and preparing the workforce for future economic opportunities.
The data scientist expert observed that education alone cannot achieve digital inclusion without adequate access to technology. Many rural communities still struggle with poor internet connectivity, unreliable electricity and limited access to computers, smartphones and other digital devices. These challenges prevent millions of people from participating in online learning, digital entrepreneurship, remote work and AI-driven innovation. Prof. Inyang called on governments, telecommunications companies, development agencies and private sector organizations to invest in expanding broadband infrastructure, improving electricity supply and providing affordable internet services across urban and rural areas. Public libraries, community ICT centres, innovation hubs and schools should be equipped with modern digital facilities that provide free or subsidized access to computers and internet services. Such investments will empower citizens to participate actively in the digital economy.
According to the Don, an inclusive AI future also requires deliberate efforts to ensure that no segment of society is left behind. Women and girls, persons with disabilities, rural populations, internally displaced persons and economically disadvantaged communities often face greater barriers to digital participation. Targeted scholarship programmes, accessible learning platforms, assistive technologies, mentorship opportunities and community outreach initiatives should be implemented to ensure equal participation in AI education and digital innovation. Furthermore, educational materials and AI applications should be designed to accommodate different languages, cultures and accessibility needs, making digital learning more inclusive and effective for diverse populations.
He added that as AI becomes more powerful, education must also emphasize ethics and responsible innovation. Learners should understand important issues such as data privacy, cybersecurity, misinformation, algorithmic bias, intellectual property, transparency and accountability. Building ethical awareness will enable future AI users and developers to create technologies that respect human rights, promote fairness and contribute positively to society. Educational institutions should encourage critical thinking and responsible digital citizenship, ensuring that AI is used to solve societal problems rather than create new forms of discrimination or inequality.
The Don asserted that investing in inclusive AI education and digital access will produce far-reaching benefits. It will according to him, prepare citizens for emerging careers, improve productivity across industries, encourage entrepreneurship and innovation, strengthen public service delivery, support scientific research, enhance healthcare systems, modernize agriculture and improve educational outcomes. It will also enable countries to compete effectively in the global digital economy while fostering sustainable national development. By empowering people with AI knowledge and digital skills, nations can reduce poverty, bridge inequality, create new employment opportunities and stimulate inclusive economic growth.
He concludes that inclusive AI education and universal digital access are no longer optional—they are essential for building resilient, innovative and equitable societies. Governments, educational institutions, technology companies, civil society organizations, development partners and local communities must work together to bridge the digital divide through strategic investments in education, digital infrastructure, affordable internet access and technological innovation. Every citizen deserves the opportunity to participate in the AI revolution, regardless of where they live or their economic circumstances. By promoting inclusive AI education and expanding digital access, societies can unlock human potential, accelerate sustainable development, reduce inequality and ensure that the benefits of artificial intelligence are shared by everyone. The future of AI should be one of inclusion, opportunity and empowerment, not exclusion.
