AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in the World of Automation

Dear Wura Hope Community,

As we commemorate International Day of Education 2025, The Wura Hope Women Initiative explores the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and education. This year’s theme, “AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in the World of Automation,” prompts us to consider AI’s implications for the future of learning and the role of human agency in education. It also highlights education’s critical role in ensuring that advancements in AI enhance rather than diminish our human capacities.

Understanding the Theme

In an era where AI is reshaping industries and societal norms, it is essential to address the implications of automation on education. Education must empower individuals, particularly women, to harness these technologies while maintaining their autonomy and decision-making abilities. This theme invites us to consider how we can use AI to support learning without compromising the essence of being human.
The increasing presence of AI in education raises important questions about its potential benefits and drawbacks. On one hand, AI can enhance personalized learning, automate administrative tasks, and provide real-time feedback. On the other hand, over-reliance on AI can lead to a loss of human agency, diminished critical thinking skills, and exacerbated inequalities.

At The Wura Hope Women Initiative, we believe that education should empower individuals to think critically, solve problems creatively, and make informed decisions about their lives. As AI becomes more pervasive in education, we must ensure that human agency is preserved and that the benefits of AI are equitably distributed.

Nigeria’s Human Development Index (HDI) of 0.548, which puts the country in the low human development category and over 10.5 million Out-of-School children, calls for reflection in today’s rapidly evolving global landscape with growing technological innovation. This is particularly relevant to this year’s Theme for International Day of Education, AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in the World of Automation. It is on this note that The Wura Hope Women Initiative organized a symposium bringing together diverse experts including Education consultants, AI experts, and legal professionals to discuss the theme for this year’s international day of education to draw insight toward leveraging the evolving technological innovations to advance human capacity and guide against undermine the drive toward the realization of Nigeria We Want.

To achieve this goal, we advocate for:

1. Inclusive AI design: AI systems should be designed with diverse perspectives and needs in mind, ensuring that they are accessible and beneficial to all.
2. Critical thinking and media literacy: Education should prioritize critical thinking, media literacy, and problem-solving skills to prepare individuals for an AI-driven world.
3. Teacher training and support: Educators should receive training and support to effectively integrate AI into their teaching practices and promote human agency in the classroom.

Celebrating Our Achievements

At Wura Hope, we have made significant strides in fostering educational opportunities for women and girls, particularly in technology-related fields. Our recent workshops on digital literacy and AI fundamentals have equipped women with the skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly automated world. Through these initiatives, we have seen countless women embrace technology, gaining confidence and expertise that allow them to navigate the complexities of the digital landscape.

Future Goals and Initiatives

Looking ahead, we are excited to announce new initiatives that align with this year’s theme: AI Literacy Programs: We will launch educational programs focused on understanding AI, its applications, and its implications, ensuring that women are not just consumers of technology, but informed contributors.

Human-Centric AI Workshops: These workshops will explore the ethical dimensions of AI, emphasizing the importance of human agency in decision-making processes influenced by technology.

Mentorship in Tech: We will pair aspiring women in tech with experienced mentors to foster skills development and career growth in fields related to AI and automation.

Collaboration: We will collaborate with BusinessCue and FactCheckAfrica to facilitate the training of primary and secondary school teachers on AI and its applications in education.

Get Involved!

As we celebrate International Day of Education 2025, we invite you to join the conversation about AI and education. Share your thoughts, ideas, and concerns with us on social media using #AIEDU2025 #InternationalDayOfEducation.

We encourage our community members to engage with these initiatives. Your support through volunteering, sharing resources, or advocating for women’s education in STEM can make a significant difference. Together, we can ensure that women not only adapt to a world of automation but thrive in it.

• Support our initiatives to promote inclusive AI design, critical thinking, and media literacy in education.

• Join our advocacy efforts to ensure that human agency is preserved in the age of automation.
• Share your own experiences and insights about AI and education with us.

Conclusion

On this International Day of Education, let us commit to creating an educational landscape that preserves human agency amid the rise of AI. Our mission at The Wura Hope Women Initiative is to empower women to navigate this new frontier with knowledge and confidence. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey.

With hope and determination,

The Wura Hope Women Initiative Team