Experts Urge Nigeria to Prioritise Skills Over Certificates Through AI-Driven Education
By Wilfred Chukwuma
Education experts have called for a shift from the over-emphasis on certificate acquisition in Nigeria to a more skills-oriented and competency-based system powered by artificial intelligence (AI).
The call was made on Wednesday at the 2026 Hybrid Conference on Education organised by the School of Education, Federal College of Education, Eha-Amufu, Enugu State, where participants criticised the continued glorification of paper qualifications over practical competence.
The experts warned that many graduates, despite holding certificates, lack tangible skills for sustainable livelihoods.
A CROSS SECTION OF PARTICIPANTS AT THE EVENT
Speaking at the conference held at the institution’s 350-capacity auditorium, with the theme “Beyond Grades and Classrooms: AI-Driven Teaching and Competency-Based Education,” the keynote presenter, Dr. Dave Okoli, Dean of Student Affairs, Federal College of Education (Technical), Umunze, Anambra State, said the era of prioritising certificates without considering long-term impact was over.
He stressed that Nigeria, as a developing nation, must embrace AI-driven competency-based education to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving global education system.
“We are so much conscious of certification and we no longer bother about what one can do after the certification. Education systems worldwide are evolving in response to technological advancement and shifting labour market demands.
A CROSS SECTION OF PARTICIPANTS AT THE EVENT
“The era of using grades to justify students’ efforts without considering skills, competence, know-how and mastery should not take centre stage and needs to be upgraded.
“Artificial intelligence (AI) and competency-based education are capable of reshaping teaching and learning processes and should be welcomed in the country’s education reforms.
By embracing this paradigm shift, stakeholders can build education systems that prepare learners for the future and empower them to shape it.
“This is imperative to ensure that education remains relevant and impactful in the 21st century,” he said.
Also speaking, the lead paper presenter, Dr. Roseline Ijeoma Odoemenam of the Department of Educational Foundations, Ebonyi State College of Education, Ikwo, described the transition to AI-driven competency-based education as transformative.
She, however, noted that its success depends on deliberate strategies, including investment in digital infrastructure, continuous teacher training, ethical use of learner data, and policies that promote equity and inclusiveness.
In his opening remarks, the chairman of the event, Hon. Barr. Ugo Ferdinand Ugwueze, Chairman of Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area of Enugu State, represented by the Acting Deputy Provost of the college, Dr. Mrs. Obioma Eze, described the conference theme as timely.
“It is coming when AI is becoming the ultimate thing in day-to-day academic activities and other related fields of human endeavour,” he said, while urging Nigerians to value competence over mere certification.
The Acting Deputy Provost, who also represented the Provost, Prof. (Mrs.) Pauline Ngozi Ikwuegbu, emphasised the importance of academic conferences in fostering professional growth, noting that the event was designed to expose teaching staff to AI-assisted and technology-driven teaching methods.
She formally declared the conference open and appreciated the Chairman of Isi-Uzo Local Government Area, Hon. Obiora Obeagu, represented by the Vice Chairman, Dr. Cyril Nnamchi, as well as participants from other colleges of education.
Earlier, the Dean, School of Education, Dr. Juliana Odo, said the conference aimed to provide a platform for academic staff to exchange ideas, share research findings, and promote innovation. She urged participants to contribute meaningfully, noting that the outcomes would shape future learning experiences.
In a goodwill message, Hon. Obeagu, who served as Father of the Day, commended the college management for selecting a theme that reflects current educational realities.
“The theme speaks directly to the evolving realities of education in the 21st century. Education must move from merely awarding certificates to building skills and driving development,” he said.
Also, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Dr. Vincent Davidson, appreciated representatives of Igbo-Eze South and Isi-Uzo Local Government Areas, as well as participants, for contributing to the success of the conference.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
