Hammed Shittu in Ilorin
The Founder and Executive Director of the Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS), Mr. Rafiu Akinpelu Olaore, at the weekend said Artificial Intelligence and digital technology remain critical tool for improving teaching, research and driven economy.
Olaore stated this in Ilorin, Kwara state while speaking with newsmen on the sidelines of recent lecture he delivered at the seminar organised by the Faculty of Management Studies, Osun State Polytechnic, Iree.
He said the success of AI integration and digital technology in education would depend largely on the preparedness and empowerment of educators.
The seminar, which attracted academic staff, students, administrators and other stakeholders, examined the impact of Artificial Intelligence on teaching and learning as well as the future of higher education in Nigeria.
The founder, who is a guest speaker and chairman of the Organising Committee of the event, said “No educational reform succeeds without empowered educators.”
He urged lecturers, administrators and educational leaders to take personal responsibility for developing their digital competencies and becoming active users of AI technologies rather than waiting for institutional interventions or policy directives.
He noted that continuous professional development through certifications, workshops, online learning platforms and practical experimentation with emerging technologies had become essential for educators seeking to remain relevant in an increasingly digital and knowledge-driven economy.
The keynote presentation explored the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence on teaching methodologies, research productivity, curriculum development, assessment systems and workforce preparation.
Participants were encouraged to embrace lifelong learning and innovation in order to equip students with the skills required for the future of work and a rapidly evolving labour market.
Highlighting the activities of YEDIS, Olaore reiterated the organisation’s commitment to advancing digital inclusion, entrepreneurship development, workforce readiness and AI literacy among young people and underserved communities across Africa.
He further called on educational institutions and policymakers to prioritise investment in AI capacity building for academic staff to ensure that Nigerian graduates remain competitive in the global digital economy.
The seminar provided an important platform for dialogue on both the opportunities and challenges associated with the adoption of Artificial Intelligence in Nigeria’s education sector and attracted significant participation from members of the academic community.
Among the major recommendations emerging from the presentation were the need for educators to proactively embrace AI technologies and digital skills, the importance of lifelong learning in the AI era, and increased institutional investment in digital capacity building for lecturers and researchers.
Olaore further expressed appreciation to the Rector of the institution, Dr. Alabi Kehinde, and the Dean of the Faculty of Management Studies, Dr. Ogunleye Philip, for the confidence reposed in him and for the opportunity to serve as guest speaker and chairman of the Organising Committee of the 2026 Faculty Seminar.
Meanwhile, Olaore also served as a Panel Discussant at the 3rd International Multidisciplinary Conference of Osun State Polytechnic where he contributed to discussions on skills development, gender and inclusion in innovation, STEM education, the role of state governments in innovation ecosystems, and mechanisms for measuring impact and accountability in national development initiatives.
The event reflects YEDIS’ continued commitment to promoting innovation, digital transformation and inclusive development through education, entrepreneurship and technology-driven solutions across Africa.
