Adesemoye Urges Faith-Based Groups to Invest in Digital Hubs for Youth Skills
Dr. Steven AnuAdesemoye, the Team Lead of Digital and Creative Enterprise at Lagos State University of Science and Technology, has called on faith-based organizations across Nigeria to invest in digital technology hubs. This initiative aims to equip Nigerian youths with globally competitive skills, addressing a pressing need in the modern industrial landscape.
Strategic Call at National Youth Retreat
Adesemoye made this appeal during the 31st Annual National Youth Retreat of C.A.C, Christ City of Peace Evangelical Ministry (CCOPEM), held in Lagos last week. The event, themed "The New Beginning," highlighted the necessity for a strategic balance between spiritual guidance and technical proficiency. He emphasized that the contemporary "new normal" demands a radical shift in how religious institutions support their members, moving beyond spiritual nourishment to include "digital vitamins"—essential technical skills such as Artificial Intelligence, data analytics, and no-code development.
Bridging the Knowledge Gap
According to Adesemoye, the responsibility for closing the widening knowledge gap and meeting global expectations should not rest solely on the government if Nigeria is to achieve sustainable economic growth. Speaking on the topic "Restart: Your New Beginning In The Digital Age," he noted that faith-based organizations possess the reach and resources to act as critical interventionists in digital training. By establishing tech hubs within their communities, these organizations can provide necessary infrastructure and mentorship for youths who might otherwise be excluded from the digital economy due to financial or social constraints.
Addressing Employer Demands
Citing data from the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Adesemoye revealed a stark disparity: while 88% of employers prioritize data analysis skills, only 12% of Nigerian university graduates meet this requirement. He stated, "the job is there; the skill is not," underscoring the urgent need for action. He urged religious bodies to view digital literacy not as a secular distraction but as a vital tool for empowerment and poverty alleviation, uniquely positioned to bridge this chasm.
Empowering Youths for Global Competition
Adesemoye stressed that the righteous must not only rise after a fall but also be equipped with the tools to compete on the world stage. He encouraged youths to take advantage of free digital resources and conduct a digital self-audit to assess their current capabilities. Additionally, he enjoined them to embark on a 90-day personal development plan focusing on high-value skills that can be acquired with minimal financial investment, fostering an environment of continuous learning and technical curiosity.
Call to Action for Collective Effort
He called on faith-based organizations to help transform Nigeria's youth from passive consumers of technology into active contributors to the global digital economy. Adesemoye noted that Nigeria's future depends on the collective effort to empower the next generation and urged the leadership of CCOPEM and other religious institutions to take the lead in this intervention, emphasizing that such initiatives are crucial for national progress and youth development.
