The Nigerian government has unveiled a new curriculum integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and blockchain technology as part of its ongoing efforts to digitalise the public service and prepare schoolchildren to operate responsibly within a technology-driven environment.
The announcement was made by Dr Dasuki Ibrahim Arabi, Director General of the Bureau of Public Service Reform (BPSR), during the first Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain Conference and Training (AIBIC) Abuja 2025, organised by Havel Corporate Concept Limited.
Dr Arabi highlighted that the government is committed to creating a digitised public service, saying:
“Policies and programmes have been established to enable schoolchildren to engage effectively with technology. We have a new curriculum supporting the adoption and responsible use of AI, creating safe spaces for learning and innovation.”
He further noted that Nigeria has made significant progress in the digitalisation of public financial management, with over 10 ministries now fully paperless, and aims to digitalise all ministries’ activities by the end of December 2025. He added that the country now has an e-government master plan and a strategic framework for integrating AI and blockchain across the federal public service to enhance transparency, accountability, and service quality.
The conference also emphasised the historical trajectory of public service reforms in Nigeria, tracing efforts from 2004 and the subsequent adoption of AI and blockchain technologies through collaborations, including a memorandum of understanding with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
Speaking at the event, Dr Ahmed Badanga, CEO of Havel Corporate Concept Limited, stressed the significance of combining AI and blockchain to create intelligent, secure, and transparent systems. He noted that the conference aimed to bring together stakeholders to examine regulatory frameworks and public discussions around AI legislation in Nigeria.
Dr Badanga also highlighted the AI Club initiative in Nigerian schools, designed to empower students as ethical digital citizens. The pilot programme, approved by the FCT Universal Basic Education Board and FCT Secondary Education Board, has already launched in selected schools in Abuja.
In a goodwill message, Lady Florence Wenegieme, Director of Science, Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship at FCT UBEB, praised the initiative, noting that AI clubs provide opportunities for extracurricular learning, networking, and collaboration beyond the standard curriculum.
The conference culminated with the unveiling of the first beneficiaries of the AI school project, featuring 30 students from Junior Secondary Schools in Wuse Zone 3 and Government Day Secondary School Wuse 2, Abuja, alongside awards for innovative individuals, companies, and policymakers driving AI adoption in Nigeria.
