Sokoto SUBEB Chairman Expresses Concern Over Potential Risks of AI in Basic Education
Sokoto SUBEB Chairman Expresses Concern Over Potential Risks of AI in Basic Education
By Bashir Rabe Mani in Sokoto
The Executive Chairman of the Sokoto State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Alhaji Umar Nagwari Tambuwal, has expressed concern over the potential negative implications of the growing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in basic education, particularly at the primary and junior secondary school levels.
He made this known while receiving the European Union Education Programme Manager, Mrs Kate Kanebi, and her delegation during a courtesy visit to the SUBEB headquarters in Sokoto.
The visit was aimed at discussing ongoing and proposed collaborative interventions between the European Union and the Board to improve the quality of basic education across Sokoto State.
Speaking during the visit, Mrs Kanebi said the delegation was in Sokoto to appreciate the Sokoto State Government, under the leadership of Governor Dr Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, for its cooperation and support for programmes designed to improve the living conditions of citizens in various sectors, particularly education.
She also highlighted the importance of reviewing educational interventions implemented across the state and commended SUBEB for its continued collaboration and support in advancing the shared objectives of the partnership..
Mrs Kanebi further assured the Board of the European Union’s continued commitment to supporting basic education initiatives, in line with Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto’s efforts to strengthen the education sector at all levels across the state.
In his response, Alhaji Umar Nagwari Tambuwal outlined the achievements recorded by the state government in the education sector, as well as its plans to further improve access to quality education for children across Sokoto State.
He reiterated the Board’s readiness to work with development partners, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), civil society organisations and individuals who share its commitment to strengthening basic education.
The Chairman assured the delegation of SUBEB’s continued support and cooperation to facilitate the effective implementation of their programmes across the state.
He also commended the European Union and other development partners for their contributions to improving the welfare and living standards of Nigerians through interventions in various sectors.
Drawing from his experience as a former teacher, Alhaji Tambuwal raised concerns about the potential risks associated with the use of Artificial Intelligence in the education of primary and junior secondary school pupils.
He urged education stakeholders to carefully consider the possible implications of AI on pupils’ learning, intellectual development and educational progress.
He stressed the need for responsible and well regulated adoption of emerging technologies to ensure that innovation supports, rather than undermines, effective teaching and learning.
The Chairman’s remarks underscored the importance of ensuring that the integration of new technologies into basic education is carefully assessed and aligned with the learning needs and developmental stages of schoolchildren.
Those who attended the meeting included the Special Adviser to the Executive Chairman; Alhaji Ahmad Umar Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Engr. Tukur Muhammad Yabo ,Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, Alhaji Umar Muhammad Sanyinna, Director of Physical Planning, Engr. Sanusi Bunu Dogon Dajim, Director of Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD), Malam Yahaiya Aliyu, Deputy Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, Hajiya Murjanatu Bello and other principal officers of the Board.
The SUBEB Desk Officer at the UNICEF Field Office in Sokoto, Alhaji Abdulhamid Muhammad led the delegation, which also comprised education specialists from the UNICEF Sokoto Field Office and other European Union officials.
Signed:
Murtala Muhammad Danladi Tsamaye
Public Relations Officer (PRO)
Sokoto State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB)
