A renowned Professor of Computer Science and Cyber Security at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Prof Adebukola Onashoga, has urged Generation Z to take intentional steps toward becoming adaptive, future-ready ICT talents who can influence national development. She made the appeal on Thursday while delivering the Joseph Ayo Babalola University 16th Convocation Lecture titled “Empowering the Gen Zs: Building Adaptive ICT Talents for the Future,” where she described young people as digitally connected, curiosity driven and naturally inclined toward exploring technology.
Prof Onashoga noted that Nigeria’s fast-changing digital environment demands young individuals who are not only tech savvy but also equipped with creativity, resilience and problem-solving skills. While acknowledging that these characteristics already give Gen Z an advantage, she stated that they must be supported with discipline, intentional capacity building and focus. According to her, cultivating a growth mindset that embraces challenges, keeps learning, and adapts to constant changes remains necessary for their relevance.
She stressed that youths must move beyond simply using ICT tools and make an effort to understand how those technologies function. She explained that the future of work will be interdisciplinary, requiring individuals who can bridge sectors and collaborate across different fields. In her words, “It is not enough to be able to operate technology and to become creators and innovators; you must understand how these tools work.” She added that “whether you are in agriculture, social sciences, engineering, or the creative sector, technology is now the foundation for growth.”
The professor encouraged young Nigerians to see themselves as bridge builders and grasp how collaboration will determine their impact. She said the digital age requires more than technical expertise, insisting that youths must support their knowledge with problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and clear purpose. “Don’t wait for problems to come to you,” she advised. “Actively look for challenges around you and apply critical thinking to solve them. That is how you stay relevant.”
Prof Onashoga further urged youths to deploy creativity in their digital journeys, calling attention to the importance of innovative digital delivery mechanisms in a communication-driven world. She encouraged them to collaborate widely, communicate effectively, and view learning as something that continues through life. According to her, mobile phones should serve as learning tools, not just for chatting or scrolling through unproductive content.
She challenged young people to approach their roles as builders equipped with global digital resources, saying, “Use tools for creation, not just consumption, approach every challenge as a builder equipped with the world’s digital toolkit. Learn at least one new tech skill, start a hands-on project, and embrace collaboration.” She also warned that digital literacy must go hand-in-hand with responsible online behaviour, reminding them that the internet preserves their actions.
Prof Onashoga cautioned, “Be careful how you present yourself online. Your digital footprint can determine opportunities you gain or lose.” She explained that how young people engage on digital platforms could support or damage their future goals, stressing that they must act with awareness when building their online identity.
In his remarks, the institution’s Vice Chancellor, Olasebikan Fakolujo, said selecting the lecture theme was both deliberate and timely. He explained that it was a strategic effort to steer young people toward purposeful leadership and digital readiness. According to him, the university wants to spark curiosity in the younger generation, strengthen their desire to take leadership roles and give them the capacity to function effectively in a rapidly changing technological world.
Fakolujo added that modern realities demand young Nigerians who are innovative, adaptable and capable of using ICT to solve real-world problems. He said this was why exposing students to conversations that prepare them for the future remains important, stressing that nurturing talent will contribute to national growth.
