Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Religious Pedagogy in Nigeria: Legal and Policy Pathways for Churches with Implication for Post Covid Era

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into religious education has emerged as a transformative trend in the post-Covid-19 era, particularly within technologically evolving societies such as Nigeria. This study examines the potential of AI to enhance the teaching of religion in Nigerian churches, while emphasizing the critical role of the government in establishing legal and ethical frameworks to govern its use. Drawing on a review of current literature (2020-2025), the research highlights both opportunities, such as personalized spiritual learning and expanded access to theological resources, and challenges, including doctrinal distortion, data privacy concerns, and technological inequities among faith communities. A qualitative, policy-oriented methodology is employed, supported by simulated data, to assess the readiness of religious institutions and the gaps in Nigeria’s regulatory infrastructure. The study finds that while many churches are adopting digital tools, there is a lack of legal guidance specific to AI in faith-based settings. It recommends the creation of a national AI ethical framework for religious applications, the formation of an AI-Ethics Advisory Council, and the promotion of AI literacy among church leaders. In conclusion, the paper argues that with strategic policy interventions and inclusive stakeholder dialogue, AI can be harnessed to support doctrinal fidelity, digital equity, and religious innovation in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving spiritual landscape.