Stakeholders in education and youth development have called for intensified efforts to equip young people with artificial intelligence (AI) skills, stressing that digital competence is critical for future employability, innovation, and global competitiveness.
The call was made at the 2026 Abuja Schools Debate Tournament and Seminar held at the 2nd Floor Conference Hall, Federal Ministry of Education, Federal Secretariat Complex (Phase III), Central Business District (CBD), Abuja, FCT.
The Executive Director of CHEN Teen and Youth Development Initiative, Dr Olushola Oresanya, said the annual programme was created to give young people a platform to engage with pressing societal issues while building critical thinking and leadership capacity.
“We created the Abuja Schools Debate Tournament as a platform to get young people engaged in discussions on issues that affect them and society,” she said.
Oresanya explained that participants are trained in public speaking, research, and debate techniques ahead of the competition, adding that the initiative is designed to prepare them for global opportunities.
She said this year’s edition adopted the World Debate Competition format to expose students to international standards and enhance their competitiveness on global platforms.
According to her, the focus on artificial intelligence was deliberate, given its growing influence on education, employment, and everyday life.
“Artificial intelligence offers enormous opportunities for young people, and they need to learn how to engage with it appropriately and ethically,” she said.
She added that outstanding participants would gain opportunities to compete internationally and access global debate networks, with some also receiving sponsorship to join international platforms.
The programme was organised in partnership with the Davida Omosanmi Empowerment Foundation, and is aimed at broadening youth exposure to global conversations while strengthening their capacity for leadership and innovation.
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Also speaking at the event, the Director of Education and Social Development at the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Dr Depsan Kwande, said the government is implementing programmes to prepare young Nigerians for an AI-driven future.
Represented by Mrs Grace Ojeaburu, a Deputy Director in the ministry, he noted that artificial intelligence is increasingly relevant to education, entrepreneurship, and job creation.
She said the ministry has introduced initiatives aimed at helping young people acquire AI-related skills and apply them in sectors such as agriculture, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
According to her, the government remains committed to supporting programmes that enhance digital literacy and technological capacity among youths.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that 20 secondary schools participated in the competition, with Lela Blossoms School emerging as the winner. Joachcare Academy and Focus High School placed second and third, respectively.
Winners received cash prizes of ₦100,000, ₦70,000, and ₦50,000, along with 20 per cent tuition scholarships awarded to participating students.
Stakeholders at the event said initiatives of this nature are critical to bridging the digital skills gap and preparing Nigerian youths to participate effectively in the global artificial intelligence economy.
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