The Association of Private Educators in Nigeria (APEN) has said artificial intelligence cannot replace teachers, stressing that human interaction remains essential to students’ learning and development.
The association stated this during a press conference at Greensprings School, Anthony, Lagos, ahead of its 2026 Education Conference scheduled for November 2 and 3 at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island.
Chairman of APEN’s Conference Planning Committee, Bolanle Adewole, said schools should view artificial intelligence as a tool to improve teaching rather than a threat to educators.
“AI has not come to kill education. On the contrary, I believe AI has come to enhance and support education,” Adewole said.
She added that the technology could help teachers prepare lesson notes, develop curricula, write reports and assess students’ work more efficiently.
However, Adewole maintained that technology could not replace the emotional connection, patience and care teachers provide to learners.
APEN Acting Chairperson, Dr Abimbola Ogundere, said the conference would help parents, teachers, school owners and administrators understand how to integrate AI into education responsibly.
The association is also exploring the development of an AI platform tailored to Nigerian schools, according to the report.
APEN said the proposed platform would help provide educational information that reflects Nigeria’s environment and learning needs.
