Experts Urge Nigeria to Prioritise Skills Over Certificates Through AI-Driven Education

Reporter: 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).

They made the call at the 2026 Hybrid Conference on Education organised by the School of Education, Federal College of Education, Eha-Amufu, Enugu State.

The experts warned that many graduates, despite holding certificates, lack tangible skills for sustainable livelihoods.

Speaking at the conference with the theme “Beyond Grades and Classrooms: AI-Driven Teaching and Competency-Based Education,” the keynote presenter, Dr. Dave Okoli who is the 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.
“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.

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 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 and urged Nigerians to value competence over mere certification.

“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,

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.

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.

Participants at the event criticised the continued glorification of paper qualifications over practical competence.