The Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria has called for a nationwide artificial intelligence (AI) literacy campaign and the development of ethical guidelines to guide its use within the Muslim community, warning of widening inequality and moral risks if left unchecked.
This was part of a communiqué issued at the end of its 24th Annual National Education Summit held from April 16 to 19, 2026, at the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development in Abuja.
The summit, themed “The Ummah in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Challenges, Opportunities and Responsibilities,” brought together participants from 22 states, including government officials, academics and religious leaders, to examine the impact of AI on education and society.
FOMWAN noted that while AI offers significant opportunities for education, entrepreneurship and Islamic propagation (Da’wah), many Muslims—particularly in rural areas—lack the infrastructure and digital skills to benefit from it, a gap that could deepen without urgent intervention.
The group also raised concerns about ethical challenges associated with AI, including misinformation, gender stereotyping and content that may conflict with Islamic values.
To address these issues, FOMWAN recommended a multi-pronged action plan, including the introduction of structured AI literacy programmes across states, verification of AI-generated content using authentic Islamic sources such as the Qur’an and Hadith, and the development of an “Islamic AI Ethics” handbook to guide responsible usage.
It further proposed AI-driven teacher training modules, digital entrepreneurship clinics, and the use of AI tools for media outreach and Da’wah, particularly targeting young people navigating complex social realities.
The association also called for the integration of AI-assisted mental health support into welfare programmes, as well as scholarships and mentorship opportunities for Muslim youths—especially girls—in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.
On policy, FOMWAN urged engagement with agencies such as the National Information Technology Development Agency to ensure that the interests of the Muslim community are reflected in Nigeria’s AI regulations and ethical frameworks.
The group also decried continued discrimination against Muslim female candidates wearing hijab at Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) centres, despite existing directives by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board permitting its use.
FOMWAN reaffirmed its commitment to advancing education among women, youth and children across Nigeria, while appreciating the Federal Government and residents of the Federal Capital Territory for hosting the summit.
Reporting By Bimbo Oyetunde
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