Students in Lagos have been encouraged to develop skills in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and maintain responsible online behaviour as part of efforts to prepare them for opportunities in the rapidly evolving digital economy.
The call was made on Thursday by the Founder of Learntor Foundation, Mrs Mercy George-Igbafe, during visits to Vetland Senior Grammar School and Keke Senior High School under the fourth edition of the TechUp Boys programme.
The initiative, which commenced on June 3 in Education District I, is designed to reach all Senior Secondary School Two (SS2) male students across the district’s 39 public secondary schools.
George-Igbafe explained that the programme seeks to equip students from underserved communities with practical digital and AI-related skills that can improve their future career prospects and economic opportunities.
Addressing students at Vetland Senior Grammar School, she described digital literacy and artificial intelligence as essential competencies for success in today’s technology-driven world.
She encouraged participants to explore opportunities offered by emerging technologies, noting that AI is increasingly relevant across a wide range of professions, including engineering, business, entrepreneurship and vocational careers.
According to her, technology has transformed the way people work and earn a living, creating new opportunities for innovation, creativity and service delivery.
George-Igbafe also urged students to remain focused on their education, avoid criminal activities and strive to achieve greater success than previous generations.
She advised them to actively participate in learning opportunities and acquire skills that would position them for future employment and entrepreneurship.
Also speaking, a counsellor at Vetland Senior Grammar School, Mrs Olujimi Olayinka, encouraged students to maximise the benefits of the programme and demonstrate commitment to personal development.
She noted that the school was participating in the initiative for the second time and urged students to embrace legitimate pathways to financial success rather than engaging in unlawful activities.
One of the participants, David Olowoyeye, an SS2 commercial student, said the programme had changed his perspective on technology and the opportunities available within the digital space.
At Keke Senior High School in Ifako-Ijaiye, students engaged in an interactive discussion on cybercrime, with differing opinions emerging on its causes and implications.
Responding to the debate, George-Igbafe challenged the students to focus on entrepreneurship, innovation and productive ventures instead of pursuing shortcuts to wealth through criminal activities or online misconduct.
She encouraged them to think creatively, identify genuine business opportunities and use technology as a tool for positive impact and economic advancement.
The technology advocate further warned against online activities that could harm their future prospects or tarnish the image of the country, stressing the importance of ethical conduct in both physical and digital spaces.
She advised students to remain disciplined, responsible and committed to building successful careers through hard work, innovation and integrity.
The TechUp Boys programme is designed to empower young boys with technology knowledge, digital skills and soft skills while helping them develop positive online reputations and improve their long-term economic prospects.
Speaking with journalists, George-Igbafe revealed that preparations were underway for a major boot camp that will bring together about 1,000 selected students in a boarding-school environment.
She explained that the foundation was collaborating with relevant stakeholders, including education authorities, to finalise arrangements for the programme.
According to her, the boot camp will provide participants with opportunities to collaborate, develop critical-thinking skills and use technology, particularly AI, to create solutions to real-life challenges within their communities.
She expressed confidence that the initiative would provide a transformative learning experience that equips young people with the knowledge, confidence and practical skills needed to thrive in an increasingly digital future.