The Osun State Government and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have advocated the deployment of digital learning technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) as part of efforts to tackle the growing challenge of out-of-school children and expand access to quality education.
The call was made during a two-day Media Dialogue on Digital Learning, Artificial Intelligence and Skills Development for Out-of-School Children organised by the Osun State Ministry of Education in collaboration with UNICEF.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Education, Adedipo Eluwole, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Murtala Adekilekun Jimoh, said digital technology and AI present new opportunities to bridge educational gaps and ensure that vulnerable and marginalised children are not left behind.
According to him, millions of children remain outside the formal education system due to economic hardship, geographical barriers and security challenges, limiting their opportunities for personal development and societal contribution.
He noted that digital learning platforms are transforming education delivery by making learning more accessible, flexible and inclusive, while AI can support personalised learning, identify learning gaps and improve educational planning.
Jimoh stressed that stakeholders must work together to ensure that technological innovations benefit every child, regardless of background or circumstance.
He described the dialogue as timely and strategic, providing an opportunity to explore innovative pathways for integrating out-of-school children into learning through technology-driven interventions and skills acquisition programmes.
The permanent secretary also emphasised the importance of equipping children with practical digital, entrepreneurial and life skills needed for self-reliance and future employability, noting that education in the 21st century must extend beyond traditional academic achievement.
He called on media practitioners to play a more active role in promoting educational development by raising awareness, amplifying the challenges faced by out-of-school children and highlighting innovative solutions capable of driving positive change.
Jimoh further urged participants to examine the opportunities and challenges associated with digital learning and AI, particularly issues relating to digital access, literacy, online child protection and the sustainability of technology-based educational programmes.
He expressed confidence that recommendations from the dialogue would strengthen policy development, programme implementation and collaboration among stakeholders in the education sector.
The Osun State Government also reaffirmed its commitment to educational development through investments in school infrastructure, instructional materials, teacher training and improved learning environments.
UNICEF representatives at the event highlighted the urgency of addressing the learning crisis, noting that millions of children continue to miss out on quality education and essential skills needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
The organisation warned that rapid technological advancement could widen existing inequalities if children without access to education are not equipped with the skills required to participate in the modern economy.
Participants at the dialogue agreed that digital learning and responsible use of AI could play a critical role in expanding educational opportunities and helping Nigeria reduce the number of children excluded from formal schooling.
They stressed that stronger partnerships between government agencies, development organisations, educators and the media would be essential to ensuring that every child has access to inclusive and equitable learning opportunities.
The dialogue concluded with renewed calls for innovative education policies and technology-driven solutions aimed at creating a future where no child is denied the right to learn.
Senior AI Writer
Bio: Okikiola is a writer and AI enthusiast with a background in Office Technology and Management from the Federal Polytechnic Offa. She went further to study an MSc in International Business at De Montfort University (DMU). With extensive work experience across administrative and business roles, she now focuses on exploring how artificial intelligence can transform work, innovation, and everyday life.