The Oyo State chapter of the Nigerian Economic Society [NES], on Tuesday, called on the Oyo State Government, institutions, corporate organisations, religious organisations, non-governmental organisations, and individuals to prioritise investment in youth digital education and Artificial Intelligence skill acquisition.
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The State Chairman of NES, Dr Alarudeen Aminu, on behalf of Oyo Chapter, made the call in a statement made available to journalists in Ibadan, in commemoration of the 2025 World Youth Skills Day.
The World Youth Skills Day is observed July 15 annually to raise awareness on the value of equipping youth with the skills necessary to thrive in the ever-evolving world. This year’s commemoration has the theme: ‘’Empowerment through AI and Digital Skills’’.
Speaking along the theme, Dr Aminu, who is a lecturer at the Department of Economics, University of Ibadan [UI], noted that the youth must be empowered with digital skills and Artificial Intelligence knowledge.
Quoting Adam Smith and Gary Becker , the UI don asserted that an investment in digital education would increase the earning power of the youths and their contribution to the nation’s economic development.
The NES Chairman said: ‘’Observed annually on July 15, the World Youth Skills Day is to raise awareness on the value of equipping youth with the skills necessary to thrive in a world that is always changing. The United Nations [UN]-supported programme has been promoting discussions about employment, entrepreneurship, and personal development since its launch in 2014. The first World Youth Skills Day was observed on July 15, 2015. This year marks the 10th anniversary, with the theme: ‘’Empowerment through AI and Digital Skills’’.
‘’The Scottish economist and philosopher , Adam Smith, in his 1776 work asserted that possessing skills and knowledge contributes to wealth and education and training are not just consumption but also investments that yield future economic returns. Also, according to an American economist, Gary Becker, investment in human capital would lead to higher earnings and contributing to economic development.
‘’To increase their capacity, earning power and contribution to economic development, our youth must be empowered. This is in consonance with the theme of this year’s celebration. It is non-negotiable, we must equip our teeming young demographic with relevant knowledge through AI and digital skills. The young people are creative and energetic and they need digital education to be relevant in the global market place.
‘’Against this background, the Oyo State chapter of the Nigerian Economic Society [NES] urges the government, corporate organisations, even religious organisations, non-governmental organisations, and individuals to prioritise investment in youth digital education and Artificial Intelligence skill acquisition’’.
