Over 30,000 students from public junior secondary schools across Lagos State participated in an Artificial Intelligence-powered mathematics challenge designed to boost learning outcomes through technology.

The initiative, implemented by the Lagos State Government in partnership with international education technology firm Darsel, recognised top-performing students and schools for their outstanding use of an AI-driven chatbot tool to enhance their math skills.

The government, alongside the firm, presented awards to students who emerged as winners in the Darsel Learn by Text Mathematics Initiative.

The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education noted that the honour was to appreciate the effort of the students who actively used the AI tool to improve their knowledge in mathematics.

Speaking at the event held at Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Dokumu Adegbite, said the initiative transcended just solving mathematics, but revolved around solving social challenges.

“We will encourage everyone to take self-development seriously. I encourage the principals to relate to teachers and students.

“I also urge schools that won this year not to rest on their oars, keep it up and encourage other students. Without education, there is no society. We want to bring education to the level where it belongs,” she said.

The Country Implementation Partner at Darsel, Wunmi Tolu-Alalade, said the aim was to improve students’ performance in mathematics and help to improve the quality of education in Lagos, especially in the mathematics subject.

Tolu-Alalade, who called for more support from the government at all levels, said the programme was held at the beginning of each academic calendar and ended when schools vacated at the end of the academic year.

He stressed that winners emerged out of the 30,000 students from all the Lagos junior secondary schools who took part in the initiative.

“We decided to reward students who have utilised the chatbot very well to improve their mathematics. Everybody has something against mathematics, so we decided to do an AI-powered chatbot tool that students can use to practice mathematics for just 15 minutes daily,” she said.

“For the 2024/2025 academic year, Kareem Olamide of Isasi Junior Grammar School (District V) emerged as the overall best student in the student’s category.

Olabiyi Glory from Ojodu Junior Grammar School (District VI) secured second place, while Quadri Suleton Ajadi of Iba-Housing Estate Junior Secondary School (District V) came third.

In the schools category, Ojodu Junior Grammar School, Dr Lucas Memorial Junior High School and Isasi Junior Grammar School came first, second and third respectively.