*Ikeja, Lagos* – Media entrepreneur and convener, Mr. Chude Jideonwo, has urged Nigerian youth to embrace technology and creativity if they want to remain competitive in a rapidly changing job market.
Jideonwo gave the charge at the TINE Africa Changemakers Conference 2026 in Ikeja, Lagos. The event brought together over 1,000 students, educators, innovators, and civic leaders under the theme “Unlocking Africa’s Future Through Education and Creativity.”
Speaking to the audience, Jideonwo said careers are shifting away from predictable, fixed roles toward positions that require flexibility, problem-solving, and constant adaptation.
“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 conference convener and higher education consultant, Mr. Louis Adekola, said the event was designed to examine how global education trends are reshaping Africa’s future.
“Society’s present and future reflect its education system,” Adekola said in his welcome address.
“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.”
The event featured panel sessions on AI, technology, scholarships, and the future of Africa. Speakers included IT entrepreneur Douglas Kendyson, international educationist Daniel Emanahor, and gender and disability inclusion expert Ejiro Sharon-Okotie.
Discussions centered on knowledge transfer, capacity building, international education opportunities, and sustainable development.
In a highlight of the day, secondary school students exhibited robots and AI projects they developed. Organisers awarded cash prizes to the top three innovators.
Participants, including secondary school students and aspiring young professionals, commended the conference and pledged to apply the knowledge gained to their studies and future careers.
The TINE Africa Changemakers Conference is one of several youth-focused initiatives in Lagos aimed at preparing the next generation for opportunities in the digital economy.
