*By Olusegun Haastrup*
*LAGOS* – Nigerian youth have been told to retool with tech skills and creative thinking if they want to survive the next wave of job disruption.
The call came from media entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo at the TINE Africa Changemakers Conference 2026 held in Ikeja, Lagos, on Monday. The gathering drew over 1,000 students, teachers, innovators, and civic leaders from across the state.
Speaking on the theme _“Unlocking Africa’s Future Through Education and Creativity,”_ Jideonwo warned that the old model of linear career paths is fading fast.
“The rate at which technology is changing is fast. Look at how Artificial Intelligence has evolved in the last six months alone,” he said.
“Mental flexibility and adaptability are key. If your job matters to you, you must be ready to adapt. Don’t just consume technology — leverage it to build careers.”
The convener TIME AFRICA CHANGEMAKERS CONFERENCE 2026 and higher education consultant Louis Adekola said the event was designed to bridge the gap between global education trends and Nigeria’s reality.
“Society’s present and future reflect its education system,” Adekola noted.
“We focused on two areas reshaping everything — AI and technology — and their impact on education, medicine, and agriculture. The goal is to expose young Nigerians to scholarships, creative industry opportunities, and help them find their space early.”
Panels at the conference tackled AI, tech innovation, scholarship pathways, and Africa’s development outlook. The lineup included IT entrepreneur Douglas Kendyson, international educationist Daniel Emanahor, and gender and disability inclusion expert Ejiro Sharon-Okotie.
A major highlight was the exhibition by secondary school students, who showcased homegrown robots and AI projects. Cash prizes were awarded to the top three teams by the organisers.
Many of the students and young professionals in attendance said the sessions had shifted their thinking on careers and innovation.
The TINE Africa Changemakers Conference has become a regular platform in Lagos for connecting young Nigerians to skills, mentorship, and opportunities in the digital economy.
