Cyber security expert and AI genius, Prof. (Olorogun) Alexander Osondu. Akpodiete has called for greater investment in education, digital skills, entrepreneurship and emerging technologies to equip young people for the future.
Akpodiete, an educator, trainer, entrepreneur and father, made the call in a message commemorating the 2026 International Youth Day.
He stressed that although talent was abundant among young people, opportunities remained unevenly distributed, urging governments, institutions and other stakeholders to bridge the gap through deliberate investment in human capital.
According to him, the rapid transformation of the global economy by Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, automation and digital technologies makes it imperative to prepare young people with relevant skills rather than merely encouraging them to work hard.
He said, “We must go beyond telling young people to work hard. We must equip them with relevant skills, expose them to emerging opportunities, encourage entrepreneurship and innovation, and give them the confidence to compete globally.”
The educationist noted that Africa’s youthful population could become one of the continent’s greatest economic advantages if properly harnessed.
He called for sustained investment in quality education, digital infrastructure and skills development, as well as stronger pathways linking learning with meaningful employment and entrepreneurship.
Akpodiete said his commitment to young people remained centred on teaching, mentoring, creating opportunities and preparing the next generation to become active builders of the future.
“My commitment remains simple: teach, mentor, create opportunities and help prepare the next generation not merely to participate in the future, but to help build it,” he said.
He further advised young people to remain curious, continuously acquire knowledge and embrace technology responsibly.
He urged them to develop skills capable of solving real-world problems and to remain confident about their ability to make meaningful contributions to society.
“Keep learning, remain curious, embrace technology responsibly, develop skills that solve real problems, and never underestimate what you can become,” Akpodiete added.
