This paper examines the role of artificial intelligence (AI)-driven social education in enhancing human capital development and improving labour market productivity in Nigeria. The study is structured into key sections, including an introduction to the concept of AI in education, a review of global trends and lessons, an analysis of Nigeria's education and labour market landscape, and a sectoral assessment covering agriculture, manufacturing, and the information and communication technology (ICT) sector. It further explores the opportunities and challenges associated with AI adoption in Nigeria's education system, particularly in relation to skills gaps, digital divide, and the dominance of the informal sector. The findings reveal that while AI-driven education has the potential to personalize learning, improve skill acquisition, and align education with labour market demands, its effectiveness in Nigeria is constrained by infrastructural deficits, limited digital literacy, and weak institutional frameworks. The paper argues that without deliberate policy action, the benefits of AI in education may remain unevenly distributed, thereby exacerbating existing inequalities. The study recommends the development of a comprehensive national AI-in-education policy to standardize adoption and ensure equitable access, alongside increased investment in digital infrastructure to support inclusive implementation. The paper concludes that strategic integration of AI into Nigeria's education system can significantly enhance workforce productivity and support sustainable economic development.
Journal: The Nigerian Educator Journal of Education ISSN: 699-3-7
Copyright: © 2026 The Authors. Published under Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) licence.