A brand practitioner and education advocate, Dr. Eddy A. Ademosu, has called on educational authorities and promoters to prioritize preparing children for the jobs, technologies, and challenges of the future. He made this statement during a public lecture at the 20th anniversary celebration of De-Dynamic Private Schools in Sango-Otta. Ademosu emphasized that the rapid emergence of artificial intelligence, automation, and other technologies has fundamentally changed the skills required to succeed in the workplace.
Ademosu highlighted that the world students will graduate into is significantly different from the one that existed when De-Dynamic Private Schools was established in 2006. He stressed that the education system must shift from focusing solely on examination results to developing children who can adapt, innovate, and solve problems in a volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world. The key question, he said, should no longer be whether students are passing examinations, but whether they are acquiring the resilience and competencies required to thrive beyond the classroom.
Ademosu identified essential skills that students need to remain relevant in the changing world of work, including artificial intelligence literacy, creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence. He challenged De-Dynamic Private Schools to embrace AI in education, urging them to move beyond restricting students from using AI tools to teaching them how to use the technology responsibly and productively. Ademosu also emphasized the importance of exposing students to emerging technologies, including prompt engineering and other digital skills.
The lecturer called for a greater emphasis on creativity, encouraging young Nigerians to develop innovative solutions in various sectors. He also stressed the importance of critical thinking, teaching students to question information, examine evidence, and identify sources and motives, especially in an era characterized by misinformation and fake news. Emotional intelligence, Ademosu said, is equally important, as qualities like empathy, teamwork, communication, and self-control are essential for building sustainable careers and effective leadership.
Ademosu commended De-Dynamic Private Schools for its resilience over the past two decades, noting that the school has survived economic challenges, the COVID-19 pandemic, insecurity, policy changes, and rising operational costs. He described the institution's 20-year journey as one of "grit, growth, and greatness," citing the progress of its alumni who are now found in various professions and fields. Ademosu urged the school to build on its achievements and use the next two decades to develop a stronger culture of leadership.
The Director of De-Dynamic Private Schools, Dr. Jide Bello, expressed appreciation to parents for entrusting their children to the school and commended past and present teachers for their contributions to the institution's development. Bello described teachers as "builders of lives," stressing that their influence can extend well beyond the classroom. He urged current students to take advantage of available opportunities, study diligently, and combine academic excellence with good character and a commitment to contributing positively to society.
Looking to the future, Bello said De-Dynamic Private Schools will continue to prioritize innovation, excellence, and continuous improvement, particularly in response to rapid changes brought about by technology and globalization. The school, he said, is committed to becoming stronger academically, morally, and technologically, while creating an environment where students can develop their talents, curiosity, and confidence to confront future challenges.
Key points
- Dr. Eddy A. Ademosu emphasizes the need for private schools to focus on preparing students for future challenges.
- The education system must shift from focusing solely on examination results to developing children who can adapt, innovate, and solve problems.
- Essential skills for students include artificial intelligence literacy, creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence.
