Safeguarding Children’s Human and Educational Rights in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Legal and Regulatory Challenges in Nigeria

Abstract

The rapid integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital technologies into educational systems has transformed learning environments while simultaneously raising complex legal and ethical concerns regarding the protection of children’s rights. In Nigeria, where digital adoption is expanding amid evolving regulatory frameworks, the safeguarding of children’s human and educational rights in the age of AI presents significant challenges. This study examines the legal and regulatory implications of AI-driven technologies on children’s rights, with particular focus on privacy, data protection, access to equitable education, algorithmic bias, and online safety. Adopting a doctrinal and socio-legal approach, the paper critically analyses existing national legal instruments, including constitutional provisions, child protection laws, and data governance frameworks, alongside relevant international standards. The study identifies gaps in the current regulatory regime, particularly in addressing emerging risks associated with AI-enabled educational platforms, such as surveillance, misuse of children’s data, and unequal access to digital resources. The findings reveal that while Nigeria has made progress in establishing general child rights and data protection laws, these frameworks remain insufficiently adapted to the complexities introduced by AI technologies. The paper argues for a comprehensive, child-sensitive regulatory approach that integrates AI governance with human rights protections. It recommends the development of robust policies, enhanced institutional capacity, and the incorporation of ethical AI principles to ensure that technological innovation does not undermine children’s rights. The study contributes to ongoing scholarly and policy debates by highlighting the urgent need for legal reform and proactive regulation to safeguard children’s human and educational rights in Nigeria’s evolving digital landscape.