The Lagos State Ministry of Basic Secondary School Education, in collaboration with Darsel Mathematics Learning Platform and Sapphire Exploits 21st Century Skill Consulting Limited, has successfully organized a comprehensive training program for 100 mathematics teachers in junior secondary schools. The initiative, known as the ‘Artificial Intelligence Powered Chat Board System,’ implemented a curriculum-based approach to assist teachers in effectively conveying mathematical concepts and monitoring student progress. This one-day event unfolded at the prestigious Lagos State Education Resource Centre in Ojodu.
Wunmi Alalade, the Chief Executive Officer of Sapphire Exploits 21st Century Skill Consulting Ltd. and a retired teacher from the Lagos State Ministry of Education, underscored the importance of leveraging technology to enhance teaching and learning, particularly in mathematics.
The innovative system covers curriculum content from JSS1 to JSS3, employing a chat-based approach for students to engage with questions, while teachers can monitor activities through unique codes assigned to each pupil.
Initiated virtually in November 2023, this training sought to equip teachers with effective strategies for engaging their students. A recent observational visit highlighted the necessity of face-to-face interaction to address challenges encountered by both teachers and students, ensuring the successful execution of the project.
Participating teachers were selected from the junior arms of public secondary schools across the six educational districts of Lagos State. The primary goal is to support students as they prepare for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in the 2023/2024 academic year, fostering self-directed learning and the practical application of mathematical concepts.
Alalade expressed her dedication to giving back to the state, contributing to the improvement of students’ proficiency in mathematics—a vital subject. She commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Commissioner Jamiu Alli-Balogun for fostering an enabling environment for the program and championing digital education.
Looking ahead, Alalade revealed plans to extend this opportunity to more teachers in the upcoming academic session through collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology under the Ministry, aligning with Governor Sanwo-Olu’s T.H.E.M.E.S. Agenda.
Educators and participants, such as Adedeji Aderonke and Alli Bukola, lauded the program as a wonderful and welcome development. They believe it will not only motivate teachers but also empower students to overcome the challenges often associated with mathematics, turning it from a perceived difficulty into an enjoyable learning experience.
However, Alli Bukola appealed to parents to play their part by ensuring timely access to the required devices, enabling students to benefit fully from the curriculum offered through the innovative AI-powered platform.
