The Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative (BBYDI) has intensified its campaign to make artificial intelligence (AI) understandable and accessible to young learners with the introduction of new AI flashcards and storybooks.
The unveiling by the organisation took place during a training for teachers, parents and youth influencers in Osun state.
In a statement on Monday, the organisation said the tools, developed under BBYDI’s ‘AI Literacy for Everyday People’ project and supported by the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, were among the highlights of the two-day workshop, which drew enthusiastic participation from educators across public and private schools.
The NGO said the flashcards and storybooks, written in simple language and supported with colourful illustrations, introduce children to foundational concepts such as what AI is, how it works, where it appears in daily life, and how to use digital tools safely.
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BBYDI said teachers who interacted with the materials said the resources filled a long-standing gap in Nigeria’s learning ecosystem, where AI remains poorly understood despite its growing relevance.
During the workshop, Sanni Alausa-Issa, BBYDI communications director, demonstrated how storytelling can help children grasp complex ideas. Teachers practised breaking down AI concepts into relatable narratives, including robots helping farmers harvest crops, digital assistants supporting students with homework, and machine-learning characters learning patterns the way children learn multiplication tables.
Several teachers said the approach would boost classroom engagement and demystify technology for pupils intimidated by unfamiliar concepts.
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The NGO further said the tools also resonated with primary and secondary school educators who said the flashcards would help them introduce AI gradually without overwhelming young learners.
“Some teachers noted that many pupils already interact with AI unknowingly through mobile phones, social media and learning apps, and welcomed the storybooks as a safe and structured way to explain these interactions,” the statement reads.
“Parents who attended a parallel session said the storybooks offered clearer language to discuss digital behaviour with their children at a time when misinformation, online grooming and unsafe content remain major concerns. Many said the resources struck a balance between encouraging curiosity and reinforcing safety.
“Government officials at the workshop also commended the innovation. O. B. Jolayemi, permanent secretary of the ministry of science, innovation and technology, said the tools would support the state’s efforts to prepare young people for future career pathways. She said AI literacy must now begin at the earliest levels of education.
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“M. A. K. Jimoh, permanent secretary of the ministry of education, also applauded the initiative, noting that Osun state had invested heavily in teacher training but needed updated learning materials that reflect global technological trends. He urged BBYDI to expand distribution of the flashcards and storybooks to more schools.”
Speaking on the initiative, Alausa-Issa said the tools were created to ensure no child, regardless of background, grows up excluded from emerging digital opportunities.
“Storytelling is one of the most powerful ways to teach. These flashcards and storybooks help children see that AI is part of their world, not something distant or complicated. Our goal is to make AI literacy a household conversation across Nigeria,” he said.
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