Generative AI is reshaping education in Nigeria, offering new ways for students to engage with learning. A recent pilot program in Benin City has shown how artificial intelligence, when thoughtfully implemented, can support academic growth and bridge performance gaps. The initiative, conducted at Edo Boys High School, leveraged generative AI tools in after-school sessions, delivering notable outcomes over just six weeks.
Read more about the program on the World Bank blog. Here’s a closer look at the pilot’s impact and findings.
Learning Gains Across the Board
Students in the program demonstrated significant improvements in three key areas: English language, digital skills, and AI knowledge. Notably, participants outperformed their peers even in end-of-year exams covering topics beyond the program’s scope. This suggests that students not only mastered the curriculum but also learned to leverage AI tools for independent study, enhancing their overall academic performance.
Importantly, the program had an inclusive impact. Girls, who initially trailed boys in performance, made substantial progress, indicating the potential for generative AI to address gender disparities in education.
Engagement Yields Results
Attendance data revealed a clear link between participation and outcomes. Each additional session contributed to measurable learning gains, with no evidence of diminishing returns. Despite challenges like flooding, teacher strikes, and after-school obligations, students who engaged more deeply reaped greater benefits. This consistency hints at the potential of even longer interventions for sustained improvement.
A Transformative Six Weeks
The program achieved a learning improvement equivalent to nearly two years of typical progress, with effect sizes outperforming 80% of education interventions in developing contexts. Given its short duration, this outcome highlights the efficiency and scalability of AI-driven tutoring programs when combined with teacher guidance.
Looking Ahead
The pilot underscores the promise of generative AI in transforming education, particularly in under-resourced settings. However, questions about long-term effects, cross-subject benefits, and teacher-student dynamics remain. Exploring these areas is crucial for scaling such initiatives effectively.
Generative AI, used as a tool for empowerment rather than a shortcut, holds immense potential to redefine education. Stay tuned as ongoing research explores how to maximize its impact in classrooms worldwide.