LAFIA — Experts at an artificial intelligence conference in Nasarawa State have called for responsible management of AI as the technology becomes increasingly important to education, business and public life. Participants said artificial intelligence could provide significant benefits but also create risks if deployed without adequate oversight. AI tools are already changing how people search for information, produce content and perform certain professional tasks. In education, they can assist teachers with lesson preparation, provide learning resources and support personalised instruction. Students can also use AI tools to explore subjects and practise skills. However, the technology raises questions about academic integrity and the reliability of information produced by automated systems. Schools and universities therefore need clear guidelines governing how students and teachers can use AI. Rather than simply banning the technology, education institutions may need to teach students how to use it responsibly. Digital literacy is becoming increasingly important because users need to understand that AI-generated information may contain errors. Students should learn to verify information and use credible sources when completing academic work. Teachers also need training so they can understand the strengths and limitations of AI tools. AI could potentially reduce some administrative workloads, but it should not replace professional judgment in areas requiring human understanding. Data privacy is another concern. AI systems may process large quantities of personal information, making it important for institutions to protect student and teacher data. Schools should understand what information is being collected and how it is used before adopting technology. Access is also an issue. Students in schools with reliable internet and digital devices may benefit more quickly from AI than students in underserved communities. This could widen existing educational inequalities if infrastructure gaps are not addressed. Governments and institutions therefore need to consider access alongside technological innovation. Teacher development will be important as AI becomes more common. Educators can learn how to use digital tools to create learning materials, analyse student performance and provide additional support. However, teachers remain essential because education involves mentorship, social interaction and judgment that technology cannot fully replace. The conference also highlighted the broader economic implications of AI. Nigerian businesses and public institutions may increasingly need workers with digital and analytical skills. Education systems will therefore need to prepare students for a labour market in which technology plays a larger role. Universities and technical institutions can contribute by developing courses and training programmes in artificial intelligence, data science and related fields. Ethical considerations should remain central to those programmes. Technology development should be guided by principles of fairness, transparency and accountability. Nigeria also needs policies that encourage innovation while protecting citizens from misuse. Strong regulation can provide safeguards without unnecessarily preventing legitimate technological development. The growing interest in AI presents opportunities for Nigerian education, but those opportunities will depend on infrastructure, skills and responsible use. Experts said the country should prepare students not only to use AI tools but also to understand how the technology works and the responsibilities that accompany it. Building that capacity can help Nigeria participate more effectively in the emerging digital economy while reducing the risks associated with poorly managed technology.