Anam Indigenous Teachers Hail AI Training, Pledge More Engaging Classrooms

By Olisemeka Obeche

Teachers from across Anam have pledged to transform classroom teaching through the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) after participating in a one-day intensive AI training programme designed to enhance teaching and learning.

The training, which attracted more than 56 teachers from primary, secondary and tertiary school teachers as well as edupreneurs, was organised by the Elite Youths of Anam Foundation (EYAF) in collaboration with the Anam Indigenous Teachers (AIT). It was funded by the Member representing Anambra East and West Federal Constituency, Hon. Peter Aniekwe, and the Chairman of Anambra West Local Government, Hon. Mrs. Nkiru Ndive.

Participants described the workshop as timely, practical and transformative, saying it equipped them with modern digital skills that would improve lesson delivery, student engagement and classroom productivity.

“Artificial Intelligence has come to stay. Any teacher who refuses to embrace it risks being left behind,” said John Mmadụbuowu, a staff of the Post Primary School Service Commission, Otuocha Zone. “The practical demonstrations showed us how visual teaching can make lessons easier to understand and ensure every student is carried along.”

An English Language teacher at Community Secondary School, Umueze Anam, Mrs. Ifeoma Okonkwo, said the training had boosted her confidence ahead of the new academic session.

“This workshop has completely changed my approach to teaching. Instead of abstract explanations, I can now create visual and interactive lessons that help students see, understand and remember what they learn. I am returning to the classroom with renewed confidence.”

For Mr. Emmanuel Obadiegwu, Headmaster of Udoka Primary School, Umuoba Anam, the programme redefined the role of a modern teacher.

“Teaching is no longer about standing in front of a class all day with lesson notes. AI has provided tools that simplify teaching, improve understanding and reduce workload. Every teacher should have this opportunity.”

Biology teacher Mrs. Cecilia Enecho Ojo described the workshop as a turning point in her teaching career.

“I had used AI before, but this training showed me what is truly possible when guided by an expert. The visual presentation on ecosystems was remarkable. From next term, my students will experience more visual learning because what the eyes see stays longer in the mind.”

She added with optimism:

“To my fellow Anam people, I assure you your children will experience a new style of learning.”

Another participant, John Ekwealor of Community Secondary School, Ifite Anam, Mmiata, said the workshop helped teachers appreciate the different learning abilities of students.

“AI and visual teaching methods will help us reach every learner more effectively. This is the kind of empowerment teachers in Anam need, and I hope it becomes a regular programme.”

Digital Technology teacher Jude Chukwuemeka Onuorah said the knowledge gained would significantly improve his productivity.

“I will now prepare and store my lesson materials digitally instead of relying on bulky notebooks. This training has equipped me with practical skills that will make my work easier and more efficient.”

Similarly, Samuel Nnamdi Okonkwo of Community Secondary School, Omasi, Ayamelum LGA, described the programme as an eye-opener.

“Many teachers are just discovering how AI can assist with lesson planning, question setting, grading and classroom management. The key is learning how to write effective prompts.”

Primary Six teacher Miss Ogechukwu Juliet Onyekwelu called for similar programmes to be organised regularly.

“This training introduced us to smarter and easier ways of teaching. I sincerely hope it becomes a continuous initiative to improve education across Anambra West.”

Also speaking, Mrs. Gloria Agulu of the Post Primary School Service Commission, Otuocha Zone, said the workshop exposed teachers to practical digital tools for preparing lesson plans, creating engaging classroom content and improving student participation.

She urged participants to continue practising the skills acquired in order to maximise the benefits of AI in education.

Speaking after the programme, EYAF President, Dr. Christopher Ejike Anekwe, commended Hon. Peter Aniekwe and Hon. Mrs. Nkiru Ndive for supporting the initiative. He appealed to other stakeholders to invest in programmes aimed at revitalising education in Anam.

Chairman of Anam Indigenous Teachers, Pastor Frank Agulu, also expressed appreciation to EYAF and the resource person, Ambassador Chinedu Obeche, for organising what he described as a highly impactful training.

He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to ensuring members apply the knowledge gained to improve learning outcomes across schools in Anam.

The event concluded with the presentation of certificates to participants.