The Vice-Chancellor of Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos, Prof. Enase Okonedo, has urged Nigerian youths to leverage technology to drive leadership, creativity, and positive societal change rather than using it merely for convenience.
Okonedo made the call while delivering the keynote address at the Third Annual Dacurate Secondary School Debate Competition held on Friday in Lagos.
The competition, themed “Leadership and Technology,” featured 10 secondary schools shortlisted from more than 100 entries across Lagos.
Okonedo described the theme as timely, noting that the world now requires leaders who can combine innovation with moral strength and responsibility.
“Leadership today is not about titles or positions but about influence and integrity. Technology can amplify your voice, but character determines whether that voice builds or destroys,” she said.
She noted that while technology has created a level playing field for young people, it also comes with the responsibility to use digital tools wisely.
“Your phone is not just for social media; it can be your first tool for leadership, learning, connecting, and driving change. What you do online tells the world who you are,” she added.
Okonedo encouraged students to acquire digital skills such as coding, design, and data analysis, stressing that Nigeria’s next innovators and entrepreneurs will emerge from those who use technology to solve real-life problems.
“Technology gives you reach, but values give you direction. Leadership without integrity leads to chaos,” she said. “The digital world rewards creativity, but it also remembers everything — your footprint becomes part of your leadership story.”
She urged students to lead with purpose and empathy, emphasizing that collaboration and problem-solving are more relevant than competition in today’s interconnected world.
“In this digital age, what matters is not who comes first, but who brings people together to solve problems,” she said. “The future belongs to those who create solutions, not just those who seek recognition.”
Okonedo also cited examples of young Nigerians making global impact through innovation, noting that the same creative spirit resides in today’s students.
“Our country has produced some of Africa’s most creative minds — innovators who saw problems and turned them into opportunities. That same spirit lives in every young person here today,” she said.
She urged the students to let integrity and purpose guide their digital footprint.
“Technology is powerful, but it can also be harmful. The leaders of the digital future must be guided by purpose, integrity, and resilience,” Okonedo said.
In his remarks, Mr. Mateen Taomu, Convener and Team Lead of the Dacurate Secondary School Debate Competition, said the initiative was created to promote critical thinking, innovation, and ethical leadership among young people.
Taomu noted that the theme reflects global shifts in leadership driven by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain.
“There is no company or country in the world today that is not adapting to technology,” he said. “We believe the next generation of leaders must be equipped to navigate the digital future with skill and confidence. Every sector of our society needs transformation, and it starts with education.”
He explained that the competition helps schools understand that educational excellence and innovation can foster healthy competition.
According to him, Dacurate plans to expand the competition beyond Lagos through partnerships with sponsors and judges to create a national — and eventually global — platform.
At the end of the debate, Redeemer’s International Secondary School emerged winner, receiving a grand prize of ₦500,000, followed by Corona Day Secondary School, Lekki, which received ₦300,000, while Grace High School, Gbagada, came third with ₦200,000.
Judges at the event included Damilola Teidi, Head of Platforms and Networks; Jude Dike, Co-Founder of GetEquity; and Josemaria Agulanna, Co-Founder at Keble.
Dacurate is a data-driven educational social organization that supports young people by building their confidence, innovation capacity, and leadership mindset.
