Don: Youth digital skills key to next economy

Live display of robotic projects and digital applications by IDSEF's trainees at the event. Credit: Gabriel Oshokha.

The Vice-Chancellor of Summit University, Offa, Kwara State, Prof. Abiodun Aibinu, has stated that equipping Nigeria’s youth with real digital capabilities is the foundation for the next economy.

The don made this known in his keynote address at the launch of the Icitify Digital Skills Empowerment Foundation, held on Saturday at Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan.

Those in attendance included the Chief Imam of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Ibrahim Uthman; African Action Congress governorship candidate, Chief Saheed Oladele, and his running mate, Jaye Tunlayo; as well as All Progressives Congress governorship aspirant, Oyedele Alao, among other dignitaries.

Speaking on the theme, ‘Building the Digital Future: Investing In Our Youth, Transforming Our Future’, Aibinu stated that an economy increasingly shaped by digital technology and artificial intelligence demands the application of technology to create solutions, earn livelihoods and transform communities.

“We have to move beyond teaching young people to use technology to empowering them to create solutions, earn livelihoods and transform their communities through it,” he said.

“Equipping Nigeria’s youth with real digital capabilities is the foundation for the next economy. AI, data analytics, cyber security is transforming how Nigeria works,” Aibinu added.

The don emphasised digital skills as highly vital for every field, arguing that “the question is not whether every young person should become a software developer, it is whether every young person should have the opportunity.”

Aibinu established a clear distinction between access and skill, contending that “Owning a smartphone does not automatically make someone digitally skilled,” and that “Using AI to generate answers is not the same as knowing how to evaluate them, spot errors, and apply them responsibly.” He stressed that youths that would drive the economy should think critically, solve problems, create useful products and adapt to change.

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In his welcome address at the launch of Icitify Digital Skills Empowerment Foundation, the Board Chairman, Dr Taofeek Akinola, stated that the event formalised the enduring passion of the convener into a Foundation conceived to empower more Nigerians, young and old, with the skills to thrive in a digital world.

“Nigeria has approximately 110 million children and adolescents, representing nearly half its population. Yet, translating this demographic advantage into productive human capital remains a major challenge. Too many young people lack the practical, digital and entrepreneurial skills needed to thrive in today’s AI-driven economy. Our challenge is no longer simply how to educate more people, but how to equip more people with the skills to create value,” he said.

Akinola therefore urged the federal, state and local governments to sponsor digital and vocational skills development at scale, saying, “Beyond charitable donations, businesses should sponsor large-scale training.”

Speaking at the event, the founder of IDSEF and convener, Mr Adelopo AbdulAzeez, said the digital future would be shaped not merely by devices but by people capable of using, adapting and developing technology. He said IDSEF aimed to empower Nigerian youths, irrespective of their backgrounds, gender or geographical location, with practical digital and technological skills.

“Investing in young people is an investment in the productive capacities of our communities and country,” AbdulAzeez said.