SAIL, MTN Train 5,000 Teachers in AI, Inquiry-Based Learning

Five thousand public school teachers across Nigeria have received training in artificial intelligence assisted teaching and Inquiry-Based Learning under the MTN-SAIL Teachers’ Fellowship.

The programme, run by the SAIL Empowerment Foundation in partnership with the MTN Foundation, recorded 500 graduands from its second cohort at a graduation ceremony held on Thursday at the MTN Roof-Top Event Hall, Lagos.

The latest cohort is the first in the fellowship to receive formal training in artificial intelligence, with Microsoft contributing the AI curriculum through the MTN Foundation.

The development comes as schools and educators increasingly explore the use of AI tools in teaching, lesson preparation and classroom engagement.

Speaking at the ceremony, Co-Founder of SAIL Empowerment Foundation, Mrs Feyisola Abiru, said the programme had trained more than 10,000 public school teachers across Nigeria since its launch in 2022.

She said the current cohort was made up entirely of public school teachers, particularly those from communities where access to professional development opportunities was limited.

Abiru said teachers were critical to translating education policies and innovations into meaningful outcomes for pupils.

She described teachers as “multipliers”, noting that the 5,000 teachers trained under the current cohort could potentially reach about 400,000 pupils annually if each teacher taught an average of 80 children.

She urged the graduands to use the skills acquired in their classrooms and extend the knowledge to other teachers.

Three graduands who distinguished themselves through their commitment and application of the training were presented with laptops and laptop bags.

The foundation also announced plans to establish a permanent alumni network and launch the “SAIL: Where Are You Now?” campaign to reconnect former participants.

The inaugural SAIL Founders’ Day and Alumni Celebration is also scheduled for December.

Abiru said the foundation was developing an institutional structure, including an independent Board of Trustees, to strengthen its sustainability and accountability.

The foundation disclosed that construction was also underway on the SAIL Innovation Lab and Sport Centre in Orimedu, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos. The facility is expected to include a Teachers’ Lounge.

Executive Director of the MTN Foundation, Mrs Odunayo Sanya, said the foundation remained committed to the Teachers’ Fellowship, adding that its focus was to improve the quality of primary and secondary education in Nigeria.

Sanya said Inquiry-Based Learning had encouraged greater participation by pupils and contributed to improved learning outcomes.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Hon. Olatunbosun Alake, commended the programme’s founders and partners for their investment in education and human capacity development.

The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Hon. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, also commended Senator Tokunbo Abiru’s contributions to education in Lagos State.

The Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Mrs Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, described SAIL Empowerment Foundation as a partner in promoting innovation, digital skills adoption and future-ready jobs for young people in the state.

Members of the foundation’s Board of Trustees, Dr Khodor Fawaz and Mr Innocent Oseghe, attended the ceremony.