The Role of ChatGPT in Supporting Teacher Training and Lesson Preparation in Northern Nigerian Colleges of Education

This paper examines the emerging role of Artificial Intelligence (AI), specifically ChatGPT, in enhancing teacher training and lesson preparation in Northern Nigerian Colleges of Education. With the growing integration of digital pedagogies in higher education, AI tools offer opportunities for personalized instruction, intelligent tutoring, and improved curriculum design. The study adopts a conceptual approach supported by a review of recent literature and observations from the Nigerian teacher education context. Findings reveal that while awareness of ChatGPT and other AI tools is increasing, practical utilization remains minimal due to infrastructural, digital literacy, and policy challenges. The paper concludes that ChatGPT has strong potential to support pre-service and in-service teachers in developing lesson notes, generating instructional materials, and improving English language communication. It recommends targeted capacity building, improved internet infrastructure, and policy integration of AI tools into teacher education programs across Northern Nigeria.