The effects of artificial intelligence (AI) on education in the Global South are already profound, with transformative possibilities for second- and third-world nations. Recent findings from the World Bank highlight just how impactful generative AI has been, particularly in Nigeria, where a pilot program in Edo State demonstrated remarkable improvements in learning outcomes. These programs have shown AI’s potential to revolutionize education, bridging gaps in access, equity, and skill development.
I was also honored to contribute to this ongoing dialogue and new possibilities for education in the developing world through a keynote presentation/workshop for the National Library of Nigeria’s Digital Literacy Training Series in February 2024. My presentation, "Exploring Artificial Intelligence: A Pragmatic Overview and Future Applications in Information Management," emphasized the importance of AI literacy in fostering advancements in education, healthcare, libraries, schools and overall development possibilities. The focus was on the key trajectory of moving from a still prevalent traditional reading/writing literacy to Nigeria's National Library progressive focus on Digital Literacy and new necessitated focus on AI Literacy. It felt very progressive of the Nigerians to place AI literacy front and center. While perhaps a little behind in Digital Literacy, the Nigerians took the tack that was similar to Africa's earlier skipping or working in parallel with extensive telecommunications landlines towards focusing on Cell Phones and Smart Phones - not eliminating landlines completely but privileging the new cell phone/smart phone towards developmental imperatives. Here, AI literacy was placed primary as it should also now be in the West. This still needs to happen with our libraries and educational system. The world is all moving quickly forward here. Delivered virtually, the National Library of Nigeria's Digital Literacy Series brought together a receptive and enthusiastic audience from across the country, signaling an eagerness to embrace the opportunities AI provides.
The World Bank’s recent assessment pilot in Nigeria also underscores this momentum with the six-week generative AI digital literacy intervention series like the National library designed to support learning in English, digital skills, and AI literacy. The recent published assessment reports from effects of AI Education in Nigeria by the World Bank (see links below) and these concerted efforts among various institutions nationally have so far yielded extraordinary results:
- Enhanced Learning Outcomes: Students who participated with AI enhanced learning outperformed peers in all assessed areas, including end-of-year exams. This success demonstrates the ability of AI to function as an effective virtual tutor when integrated thoughtfully with teacher support.
- Bridging Gender Gaps: The program particularly benefited girls especially, who initially lagged in performance, highlighting AI’s potential to address educational inequalities.
- Striking Gains: Learning improvements equated to nearly two years of traditional education within six weeks—a testament to the efficiency and scalability of such initiatives.
These developments align with the optimism I witnessed during the Nigerian National Library Digital Series and worthwhile but long question and answer session from participants across the country. Participants were keenly aware of AI’s possibilities for democratizing education, libraries role in AI literacy and fostering innovation, particularly in underserved communities across the nation.
The World Bank pilot assessment also revealed deeper insights: higher engagement led to greater gains, and the potential for sustained benefits suggests a longer intervention could yield even more significant outcomes. However, critical questions remain about the long-term effects, the evolving role of teachers in facilitating AI interactions, and the potential for scaling up such initiatives across diverse contexts.
As we look to the future, it is essential to continue advocating for AI literacy and access to generative AI tools in the Global South as well as globally. These technologies have the power not only to transform education but to drive broader social and economic development. Ironically, conversations on state levels in the United States have begun but Generative AI even the state where I work in California, the epicenter of AI, has not progressed as rapidly on state sanctioned education levels. This should begin globally but also especially in the developing South where these effects, especially on education will be profound. But to note, this impact will be massive globally.
Here are the resources from my presentation and Nigerian Digital Literacy Program Structure example for those interested in exploring these themes further in their locale's context:
- Presentation Slides: Exploring Artificial Intelligence: A Pragmatic Overview
- Video Brief (MP4): Digital Literacy Training
The World Bank’s findings and the energy I encountered during the National Library of Nigeria’s workshop both affirm that AI literacy is not just a necessity—it’s a catalyst for change. The journey from chalkboards to chatbots has already begun, and the Global South is poised to lead this transformation.
Source Notes and Further Resources
From Chalkboards to Chatbots: Transforming Learning in Nigeria (World Bank)
7 AI Lessons from AI Piloting in Nigeria
https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/education/From-chalkboards-to-chatbots-in-Nigeria
Absolute Beginners: AI Introductory Course Presentations for Professors and Students Universities Globally, Dr. Raymond Uzwyshyn Ph.D. MBA MLIS
Presentation
Presentation Curriculum Resources
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