Expert Seeks AI Integration In Teaching, Learning Of Mathematics
An education technology specialist and implementation partner of the Darsel Learning Platform, Wunmi Tolu-Alalade, has described Artificial Intelligence as a critical tool to the future of academic development, urging government at all levels to prioritise AI integration in the teaching and learning of mathematics.
She stated this during a stakeholders’ engagement session with educators and policymakers, held at the Lagelu Grammar School in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Wednesday.
Tolu-Alalade explained that digital learning innovations are no longer optional but essential tools needed to address the long-standing crisis of poor mathematics performance among junior secondary school students.
She said, “The AI-powered Darsel Learn-by-Text Chatbot provides an interactive, practice-driven learning environment aligned with Nigeria’s national mathematics curriculum for Basic 7 to Basic 9 (JSS1-3) learners.
“The system allows students to solve mathematics problems through a WhatsApp-based chatbot, making it accessible even to learners without computers or high-end digital devices.
“If we want different results in mathematics education, we must adopt different methods. Artificial intelligence allows students to practise daily, build confidence, and learn independently while still supporting classroom teachers.”
Tolu-Alalade said the AI system also generates performance reports for teachers, enabling them to identify weak areas and design targeted interventions.
“Teachers can see student progress in real time. They know where a learner is struggling and can step in strategically. AI is not replacing teachers; it is empowering them,” she explained.
She, therefore, urged the government to support EdTech partnerships, expand AI pilots across public schools, and encourage parents to allow supervised daily practice, even if limited to short durations.
Also speaking, a director in the Mathematics and Technical Department, Oyo State Ministry of Education, Bosede Abiodun, described the initiative as a forward-looking intervention capable of reshaping students’ attitudes toward mathematics.
“In many testimonies we’ve received, students who once feared mathematics are now more confident. The AI approach makes learning engaging and less intimidating”, she said.
She also urged authorities to provide policy and financial backing to scale the programme.
A mathematics teacher, Fowotade Adeniyi, said, “When students answer correctly, the chatbot responds with encouraging words like ‘Excellent’ and ‘Well done.’ When they get it wrong, it gives hints before the solution. This motivates them. Many who feared mathematics now attempt questions confidently.”
