A lecturer at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Prof. Dapo Adelokun, has urged students and graduates to leverage technology to remain relevant in an increasingly digital world.
Adelokun gave the advice on Saturday while delivering a lecture at the 6th annual reunion of alumni of the University of Ibadan (Osun College of Education Campus) in Osogbo.
He spoke on the theme: “Harnessing Innovation for Future-Ready Success.”
According to him, students must embrace information technology and digital literacy to thrive in a rapidly changing global environment.
He noted that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming industries at high speed, warning that many programmes offered in Nigerian tertiary institutions are becoming outdated due to the pace of innovation.
“Things are changing fast. Resilience is necessary for the future because if you are not resilient, you will be left behind.
“Learning must not stop. You must be ready for continuous learning because the future is competitive.
“You must have more than one skill. IT and digital literacy are essential, along with negotiation skills and understanding ethics,” he said.
Adelokun added that while the university equips students with leadership skills, graduates must also cultivate critical thinking and sound decision-making abilities.
“Make yourself happy and don’t become a sadist, because such behavior discourages people from helping you,” he said.
In his remarks, the Director, Institute Centre of Education, University of Ilesa, Dr Posi Aduroja, described the future of the country as technology-driven.
He urged alumni to encourage their children and wards to acquire IT skills, noting that those without digital knowledge may become irrelevant in the near future.
Also speaking, the National President of the Alumni Association, Mr Akinokun Olusola, said the reunion brought together former students from the 2001 to 2025 sets to strengthen cooperation among members.
He said the association was currently executing projects in its alma mater, with plans to extend similar initiatives to the wider public.
Similarly, the Osun State Chairman of the alumni body, Mr Babatunde Fabeku, said the reunion offered members an opportunity to interact, share experiences, and support one another.
He noted that the association had assisted members with health challenges and others facing difficult circumstances.
Some members were honored with awards of recognition for their achievements and contributions to the association.
