Don urges youths to harness ICT skills for national development

File photo: Joseph Ayo Babalola University

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A Professor of Computer Science and Cyber Security from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Adebukola Onashoga, has called on youths to utilise their knowledge in Information and Communication Technology for personal and national development.

The don also charged members of Generation Z, also known as Gen Z generation to take deliberate steps toward becoming adaptive and future-ready ICT talents capable of influencing national development.

Onasoga made the call at the 16th convocation lecture she delivered at the Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji Arakeji, Osun State, on Thursday.

A copy of the lecture titled, ‘Empowering the Gen Zs: building adaptive ICT talents for the future,’ was made available to our correspondent on Friday

The professor described Gen Z as a unique demographic of digitally connected, curiosity-driven, fearless explorers, naturally inclined to experiment with technology.

She said, “Today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape demands young people who are not only tech-savvy but also equipped with the creativity, resilience and problem-solving capacity required to shape Nigeria’s technological progress.”

She noted that while these characteristics provide a strong foundation, they must be paired with discipline, skill-building, and intentional development.

According to her, Gen Z must cultivate a growth mindset, one that embraces challenges, seeks knowledge, and constantly adapts to the fast-changing digital landscape.

She opined that youths must go beyond using ICT tools actually to understand the underlying principles behind them.

Onashoga noted, “The future of work and innovation is interdisciplinary, demanding individuals who can bridge gaps across sectors and collaborate with people from diverse fields.

“It is not enough to be able to operate technology and to become creators and innovators, you must understand how these tools work.

“You must see yourselves as bridge builders. Whether you are in agriculture, social sciences, engineering, or the creative sector, technology is now the foundation for growth. Collaboration will define your relevance.

Addressing the JABU students, Onasoga said technical knowledge must be supported by problem-solving, critical thinking and a strong sense of purpose.

He stated, “Don’t wait for problems to come to you. Actively look for challenges around you, create problems and apply critical thinking to solve them. That is how you stay relevant.”

The cybersecurity expert urged the students to deploy creativity in their digital journeys, stressing the importance of innovative digital delivery mechanisms in today’s communication-driven world.

The don charged, “Use tools for creation, not just consumption, approach every challenge as a builder equipped with the world’s digital toolkit. Learn at least one new tech skill, start a hands-on project, and embrace collaboration.”

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Olasebikan Fakolujo, said the choice of lecture was apt and not accidental but a deliberate effort by the institution to steer the younger generation toward purposeful leadership and digital readiness.

He said the university carefully selected the theme to spark curiosity in young people, strengthen their interest in leadership roles, and equip them with the essential technological skills needed to function effectively in the fast-changing digital world.

“The topic was carefully selected to encourage younger generations to be interested in leadership and to learn valuable skills that will fit them into the realities of the modern tech age.”

On Wednesday, the National Universities Commission announced that it had received €3m as the first tranche of the $40m loan secured from the French Development Agency to support Information and Communication Technology projects in 10 selected universities across the country.

The Executive Secretary of the commission, Abdullahi Ribadu, said the disbursement marked a significant step in strengthening research, entrepreneurship, digital transformation, and skills development initiatives the commission has prioritised since he assumed office about a year ago.

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