Lagos Commissioner Advocates for Innovation and Value in AI-Driven Era

The Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has called for an education system that fosters creativity, innovation, and human values, as artificial intelligence (AI) and other technologies increasingly shape the world. In a statement released on Friday, Commissioner Jamiu Alli-Balogun emphasized the need to adapt education to the evolving technological landscape.

This statement was made in celebration of the 2025 International Day of Education, with the theme “Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation.”

“As we mark this important day, we are reminded of the significant challenges facing our education sector,” said Commissioner Alli-Balogun. He acknowledged the persistent barriers many Nigerians, especially vulnerable groups, face in accessing quality education.

“In navigating this rapidly changing world, we must ensure that our education system equips learners with the skills needed to succeed in an era dominated by automation and AI,” he continued. “This calls for a renewed focus on developing skills that complement technology and foster critical thinking, empathy, and collaboration.”

Alli-Balogun stressed that education should not only prepare students for future employment but also serve as a powerful tool for social mobility, equality, and justice. “It’s essential to prioritize investments in our education sector, ensuring that schools are well-equipped, teachers are trained, and learners have access to quality learning resources,” he added.

The commissioner highlighted that essential skills such as problem-solving, collaboration, and empathy are key to improved learning outcomes and should be integrated into the education system. He called for these values to be at the heart of educational policies as we embrace the future of work.

He also urged the promotion of education for the girl child, support for learners with disabilities, and the expansion of technical education, particularly for marginalized communities. “We must also encourage initiatives that promote digital literacy, online learning, and innovative uses of AI and other technologies in education,” said Mr. Alli-Balogun.

This celebration marks a call to action for all stakeholders in the education sector to work together to ensure that education remains a key driver of personal and societal potential in the face of technological advancement.