As the United Nations marks World Youth Skills Day 2025 under the theme: Youth Empowerment through AI and Digital Skills, Nigerian Tech entrepreneur and Founder of Kids Teens Code, Mr Akinola Mosobalaje Opeyemi, calls on young Nigerians to harness the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital literacy.

“A.I and digital skills are not just technical capabilities; they are the foundation of the evolving global economy and workspace,” Mr. Opeyemi said, as he highlighted how digital tools are reshaping nearly every profession and warned that those lacking these skills, risk being sidelined in the future job market.

“It’s not about job security anymore; it’s about skill security,” stating that the future of jobs is in technology, and youths equipped with AI and digital skills gain a critical advantage in the global economy and workspace.

THE DIGITAL AGE DEMANDS NEW SKILLS

The Techpreneur and founder of kids teens code further urged young professionals to adopt digital skills not only to compete, but to actively innovate and contribute meaningfully to society.

“Learning digital skills empowers young people to be creators, not just consumers, it enables them to engage in social change, build advocacy platforms, and participate in digital entrepreneurship,” he said.

In Nigeria, where traditional job markets are saturated, the digital innovator highlighted digital fluency as a gateway to remote work opportunities and new economic frontiers. “Digital skills can unlock access to jobs far beyond local constraints,” he noted.

BARRIERS TO DIGITAL INCLUSION

The Tech guru further highlighted significant challenges confronting Nigerian youths, notably the inconsistent power supply and expensive internet access. “Stable electricity is an investment in your destiny,” he stressed out, stating that “If there’s no light, productivity drops”, urging young professionals to secure reliable power, even if it means investing in solar systems to harness technology effectively.

He also warned against acquiring digital devices merely as status symbols. “Get a smart device not for show, but to generate profit. Think like an entrepreneur and inquire, will this device or phone bring a return on investment(ROI)?” he questioned.

Beyond hardware, Mr Opeyemi identified the shortage of skilled teachers and reliable infrastructure as major hurdles. “Accessing digital skills requires a personal computer, internet access, and consistent electricity,” he maintained, appealing to the Government to do more and provide these essentials to Nigerian youth.

PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE OF WORK

The Tech guru also forecasted that technological advancements will soon displace many traditional jobs. “Job displacement will come for those unprepared,” he warned, stating how those with AI and digital skills will thrive.

He encouraged youths to take advantage of online learning platforms such as Coursera, Udemy, and Google Digital Garage, many of which offer free or financially aided courses. “If formal teaching isn’t available, digital platforms provide alternative pathways to certification and skill acquisition,” he said, noting that young professionals can learn web development, SEO, or data science via AI tools like ChatGPT and GitHub Copilot— if the right questions are asked.

THE DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD OF AI

While optimistic about AI’s potential, The Digital innovator cautioned that without equitable implementation, AI could widen existing inequalities, especially for marginalized communities.

He further warned of a growing digital divide between urban and rural areas, urging intentional inclusion to ensure no youth is left behind, stating how the bias in AI systems often stemming from discriminatory algorithms could exclude rural dwellers from AI’s development and  benefits.

VOICES FROM THE FIELD: HOW A.I IS CHANGING ARTISAN WORK

Jobeth Media also spoke with young artisans who shared their firsthand experiences with AI integration:

CEO of No Leaks Plumbing, Mr Segun Akinloye described how digital tools have radically improved his technical skills. “AI helps me learn how to use advanced machines and tools more effectively, even without direct human instruction,” he said.

Similarly, a seamstress and  undergraduate, Miss Oluwatosin Abiodun, revealed how AI has elevated her business acumen. “AI tools improved my communication, helped me manage clients, and promoted my brand online,”she said.

ABOUT WORLD YOUTH SKILLS DAY

As the United Nations  seeks to strategically equip young people with skills for employment, decent work, and entrepreneurship, this year’s theme, “Youth Empowerment Through AI and Digital Skills,” reflects the urgent need to align youth development with the realities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.