Education is one of the most powerful tools for personal and societal transformation, yet millions of Nigerian children remain excluded from it. While the world embraces artificial intelligence (AI) in education, a far more urgent crisis persists in Nigeria—the staggering number of out-of-school children. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), in their recent statement, not only called for ethical guidelines in the use of AI but also highlighted this alarming issue, stressing that education is an inalienable right. This crisis, if left unaddressed, threatens the nation’s progress and the moral fabric of society.
Nigeria holds the unfortunate distinction of having the highest number of out-of-school children globally, with estimates ranging between 10 and 20 million. This situation is not confined to one region; it is a national emergency. Insecurity, poverty, and cultural barriers in the North make formal education difficult for many, while in other parts of the country, economic hardship forces children into labour rather than the classroom. Schools that do exist often suffer from neglect—dilapidated buildings, unpaid teachers, and overcrowded classrooms paint a bleak picture of Nigeria’s educational system. Decades of governmental neglect and misplaced priorities have compounded the problem. While billions are wasted on corruption and political extravagance, the basic right to education remains a distant dream for millions of children.
In contrast to the government’s failure, the Catholic Church has remained resolute in its commitment to education. For generations, Catholic schools have provided not only academic instruction but also moral and spiritual formation. Across Nigeria, mission schools continue to serve as structures of excellence, shaping individuals who go on to contribute meaningfully to society. The CBCN’s call for increased collaboration between religious organizations and the government is a necessary step in addressing this crisis. Faith-based institutions have the infrastructure, expertise, and moral grounding to expand access to education in underserved areas. With the right partnerships, more schools can be built, scholarships can be provided, and children who would otherwise be left behind can be given a future.
The growing global conversation on AI in education presents both opportunities and challenges for Nigeria. While AI has the potential to enhance learning, bridge teacher shortages, and provide remote access to quality instruction, the reality is that most Nigerian children lack even the most basic educational resources. Discussions on AI should not overshadow the more fundamental problem—millions of children who have no access to education at all. Technology can be a tool, but it is not a substitute for urgent structural reforms. Without stable electricity, internet access, and trained educators, AI remains an abstract concept for the vast majority of Nigeria’s underserved youth.
The CBCN’s message is an urgent call for action. The Nigerian government must recognize education as a national emergency and prioritize it accordingly. Increased funding, better oversight, and genuine political will are needed to overhaul the sector. Collaboration between public and private entities, particularly faith-based organizations, must be strengthened to ensure that no child is denied the opportunity to learn. Parents also have a role to play in valuing and prioritizing education despite economic hardships. A country where millions of children grow up without learning is a country sitting on a ticking time bomb—one where crime, poverty, and instability will only deepen.
As Catholics and Nigerians, we cannot afford to be passive observers. The moral and social consequences of failing to educate our children will be felt for generations. The Church’s mission in education must continue with renewed vigor, not just to provide knowledge but to instill values that shape future leaders of integrity and compassion. AI may be shaping the future of education globally, but in Nigeria, the immediate battle is far more fundamental—ensuring that every child has the chance to sit in a classroom, hold a book, and dream of a future beyond the limitations of their circumstances.
