Experts urge students to embrace emerging technologies

Illustrative picture of artificial intelligence. Credit: Havard Business School

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Speakers at the seventh International Conference on Entrepreneurship at Mountain Top University have urged Nigerian students and institutions to embrace artificial intelligence, digital skills, and industry collaboration, as the future of work evolves rapidly.

The event attracted academics, innovators, and industry leaders.

A statement by MTU on Monday highlighted guest lecturer Dr Kola Olatinwo, stating that AI is no longer optional for young entrepreneurs, warning that failure to adopt emerging technologies could leave Nigeria behind in global innovation.

Olatinwo said, “AI provides an opportunity to reduce costs, reduce staffing burdens, and solve real-life problems. Students must begin to think like entrepreneurs while still in school. Don’t wait to graduate before building solutions.”

Olatinwo, who is also CEO of One Innovation Hub in Kwara State, cited Nigerian startups such as AIQ, SiteMap, and ePail – a defence and surveillance tech company – as examples of homegrown innovation.

Olatinwo, who is Head of ICT and Business Process Operations at the Nigerian Mortgage Refinance Company, stressed that universities must deepen partnerships with industry.

He said, “There is a gap between the data we have and those using it. Universities must guide students, attach them to industries, and push hackathons, not just lectures.”

He added that, with over 20 startups incubated through his hub, Nigerian youths only need mentorship and the courage to “think more in-depth and solve Nigeria’s own problems.”

Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurship Development at MTU and host of the conference, Prof. Patience Erigbe, said digital transformation has become inseparable from entrepreneurship, especially in the post-COVID era.

“COVID-19 disrupted everything. The digital era has emerged stronger, but many are still not aware of how to use these tools entrepreneurially,” she said.

Erigbe said MTU is intentional about bridging the digital divide through hands-on entrepreneurship training.

“Our Chancellor’s vision is that every student must graduate with at least one or two vocational skills in addition to their certificate. Many of our graduates are already entrepreneurs before leaving school,” she said, adding that a forthcoming student-run trade fair is part of MTU’s culture of raising “studentpreneurs.”

She said, “Take charge. Embrace the digital space and make the best use of it, for work, creativity, and entrepreneurship.”

Delivering the keynote address titled “The Digital Drumbeat: Rhythms of Innovation, Inclusion and Enterprise,” Vice-Chancellor of Chrisland University, Abeokuta, Prof. Oyedunmi Sola Arulogun, said Africa is at a turning point.

Drawing from African proverbs and vivid metaphors, Arulogun said, “In Africa, when the drum beats, the community gathers. Today, the drumbeat we must follow is digital. And the call is clear: Innovate, include, and enterprise.”

She described data as the new oil, one that “multiplies when shared,” and challenged universities to evolve from “ivory towers to innovation towers,” urging lecturers to become mentors and students to become problem solvers.

She said: “Innovation requires foresight, and foresight demands courage. No brain in this room is expired.”

She also warned against digital inequality.

“Innovation without inclusion is like a drum without rhythm. Digital transformation must not widen the gap between those who can and those who cannot,” she said.

On entrepreneurship, she emphasised that the modern entrepreneur is not defined by a physical shop.

“The marketplace today has no borders,” she said, citing a performance where a tomato seller could reach Canada through digital tools.

Arulogun also stressed ethics, condemning idea theft: “If an idea is not yours, you cannot run far with it,” citing personal experiences with academic plagiarism.

She added, “If you approach AI with zero, it will return zero to you. But if you have a solid foundation, AI will help you excel.”

She said, “Are we going to dance to the beat that AI is drumming, or remain silent spectators?”

All speakers agreed that the future of entrepreneurship in Nigeria depends on digital literacy, innovation ecosystems, ethical practices, and strong university–industry partnerships.

Arulogun concluded with a metaphor: “The future is not ahead of us; it is here, only unevenly distributed. Digital knowledge is the water of today. Let us drink deeply. ”

The conference ended with renewed calls for Nigerian students to embrace innovation, think boldly, and take their place in the global digital economy.

The PUNCH Senior Correspondent, Grace, has over 17 years experience covering education, arts, business and health sectors. She’s a graduate of Sociology

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