PREPARING EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATORS FOR THE AI AGE: INTEGRATING ARTIFICIAL INTELIGENCE AND ROBOTICS IN NIGERIAN TEACHER TRAINING

The growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics in education has opened new frontiers for teaching and learning globally. However, their integration into early childhood teacher preparation in Nigeria remains minimal. This paper explores the theoretical foundations and practical implications of embedding AI and robotics into early childhood education programs for pre-service teachers in Nigeria. It examines how these technologies can support innovative teaching methods, improve learner engagement, and foster inclusive education in the early years. Drawing insights from international models and educational policy frameworks, the study identifies critical gaps in Nigeria’s current teacher training approach, including limited access to digital tools, inadequate educator capacity, and a lack of institutional support. Furthermore, it highlights the ethical considerations inherent in AI integration, such as data privacy, child protection, algorithmic bias, and equitable access as central to responsible implementation. The paper argues that preparing teachers with the technical and ethical competencies needed for AI integration is not only a matter of innovation but of educational justice. It underscores the need for curriculum reform, targeted digital literacy initiatives, and sustained investment in infrastructure to ensure that future teachers are well-positioned to navigate technologically enriched learning environments. This paper advocates for a forward-looking, ethically grounded strategy that aligns with global best practices yet remains rooted in Nigeria’s educational realities. It concludes with practical recommendations for policymakers, teacher education institutions, and stakeholders committed to equipping early childhood educators for a digitally-driven future.  Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, robotics, early childhood education, pre-service teachers, ethics, Nigeria