The Anambra State Ministry of Education has commenced a two-day capacity-building workshop on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for its staff to enhance workplace efficiency and productivity through digital innovation.The training, organised in collaboration with Rainbow Digitals Ltd and held at the Conference Hall of the Ministry of Education, State Secretariat Complex, Awka, is aimed at equipping education officers with essential AI and digital skills in line with global best practices and the state government’s digital transformation agenda.Speaking at the opening, the Permanent Secretary, Dr Ifeoma Agbaizu, who represented the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, urged participants to take full advantage of the programme, noting that technology-driven service delivery has become indispensable in today’s workplace.She said the training aligns with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s vision to digitise all sectors of the state and stressed that basic AI literacy is now critical for officers to remain relevant and productive.In her remarks, the Director of Schools, Mrs Oyibo Alor, underscored the importance of continuous professional development and encouraged staff to maximise the opportunity to strengthen their competencies.The first day featured a session on “AI for Beginners” facilitated by the Chief Executive Officer of Rainbow Digitals, Dr Emmanuel Jikeme, who trained participants on the use of Google Docs, Google Drive and other productivity tools for efficient data management and collaboration.Dr Jikeme said secure data storage, easy retrieval and seamless information sharing are essential to modern office operations, adding that proficiency in AI tools would position staff ahead in a rapidly evolving digital workforce.“As educators entrusted with shaping future generations, officers cannot afford to lag behind current educational trends,” he said.In their separate remarks, the Zonal Education Officers of Ogidi and Awka zones, Mr Ambrose Ikwunyelu and Mrs Chigozie Onwuachu, commended the facilitators and appealed for ministry support in providing up-to-date digital devices to aid effective implementation of the skills gained.Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Anambra State Adult and Non-Formal Education Agency, Mrs Ebele Ononihu, appreciated the Commissioner for approving the programme and described the training as impactful, applauding Rainbow Digitals for delivering the workshop pro bono.The programme was attended by heads of departments, directors, zonal and area education officers, and other education officers, with certificates presented to participants at the end of the session.
