Education leaders have been challenged to move beyond enthusiasm for Artificial Intelligence and focus on how the technology can be deployed responsibly to improve learning outcomes, strengthen employability and promote sustainable development.
The call was made by the Institute of Educational Leadership Practitioners of Nigeria (IELPN) at its 2026 International Conference held at Imo State University, Owerri, where experts warned that the rapid growth of AI was already changing the skills required by learners and the responsibilities of those leading educational institutions.
The conference, which attracted policymakers, academics, education practitioners and development partners, was organised around the theme, “Leading Education in an AI-Driven World for Skills, Employability, Ethics, and Sustainability.”
Registrar and Chief Executive of IELPN, Dr. Taiwo Olufunmilayo Olusa, said education could no longer afford to treat AI as a distant technological development, stressing that institutional leaders must determine how the technology is integrated into teaching and learning.
According to her, the objective should not be the adoption of technology for its own sake, but the use of AI to enhance learning while protecting ethical standards. She maintained that the future of education would depend on leaders capable of combining technological innovation with sound judgment and responsible leadership.
A major focus of the conference was the changing relationship between education and the workplace. Delivering a keynote address, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of GenAI Learning Concepts Ltd., Mr Sonny Iroche, said AI was already transforming the way people learn, work and govern.
Iroche argued that the central question for education leaders was no longer whether technology would disrupt existing systems, but whether they would provide the strategic and ethical leadership required to manage the transition.
He called for a departure from an education model overly dependent on memorisation and certification, urging greater emphasis on critical thinking, creativity, digital literacy and ethical decision-making.
According to him, Nigeria and other African countries have an opportunity to turn their youthful populations and expanding digital talent into a competitive advantage if education systems are redesigned to prepare learners for an AI-driven economy.
He identified curriculum reform, continuous teacher development, responsible AI governance and stronger collaboration between government, industry and educational institutions as critical areas requiring urgent investment.
Iroche also advocated an approach that combines Artificial Intelligence with what he described as Human Intelligence, Ethical Intelligence and Leadership Intelligence, arguing that technological capability without human judgment could undermine rather than improve education.
The conference also provided an opportunity for IELPN to review its activities during the year. Olusa listed professional development workshops, webinars, mentorship programmes, research activities and strategic partnerships among the Institute’s major achievements in 2026.
A new publication, the International Journal of Educational Leadership Practitioners, was also unveiled at the event, with Prof. Ajuruchukwu Obi serving as Editor-in-Chief. The journal is expected to provide another platform for research and discussion on educational leadership and emerging challenges in the sector.
The Institute also honoured its outgoing President, Prof. Sunday Daniel Osaat, as his tenure came to an end, while its Official Ambassador, Dr. Bright Bethel, was recognised for his two years of service.
New members inducted into the Institute were urged to uphold its principles of leadership, innovation and sustainability and to apply the knowledge acquired through professional development to improving educational institutions.
Olusa further announced plans for IELPN’s 2027 Leadership Immersion Experience in Nairobi, Kenya, scheduled for February 21 to 26, 2027, describing the programme as part of the Institute’s efforts to expose educational leaders to international practices and new approaches to leadership.
The conference featured keynote presentations by Iroche, Prof. Asheesh Srivastava, Prof. Chenedum Uwajiuba and Dr. Ritu Tripathi Chakravarty. Olusa also expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor of Imo State University, Prof. Uchefula Ugonna Chukwumaeze, and other dignitaries, including Imo State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Bernard Ikegwuoha, and IELPN Governing Board Chairman, Prof. Afolabi Lesi.
The event was coordinated by a Central Planning Committee headed by Prof. Ajuruchukwu Obi, alongside the IMSU Local Organising Committee led by Prof. Odinakachukwu Ejiogu.
