A non-profit organisation, the W²O Foundation, has launched its Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education Programme in Bariga/Shomolu area of Lagos State.
The programme, held in Bariga LCDA Hall, is to equip youths with digital and leadership skills required to excel in a technology-driven future.
It included awards of scholarships to students as part of the empowerment initiative, facilitated by the former Chairman of Bariga LCDA, Mr David Alabi, who was also the keynote speaker.
Delivering his address, Alabi commended the Foundation for introducing the programme, said the initiative proved that access to technology and quality education could truly transform young people’s future.
Alabi stated that the initiative further underscored its commitment to gender equality, enhanced health outcomes, and economic participation, enabling young people to contribute meaningfully to building inclusive, informed, and sustainable communities.
“This is a laudable initiative as this will go a long way in enabling these young children to become innovative leaders and problem-solvers, especially in a fast-changing world,” he added.
He reiterated the foundation’s commitment to community relations, advocacy and social development, aimed to foster an equitable society by equipping young people with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to thrive in leadership, decision-making, health, and entrepreneurship.
In his remark, Dr Wonu Okunnu, President of the W²O Foundation, said that the AI education programme aligned with its mission to empower young people with resources needed to thrive in leadership, decision-making and entrepreneurship.
Similarly, Dr Adetola Salau, the Special Adviser to the Minister of Education on STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine) and Corporate Sector Engagement, lauded the initiative.
The event was organised in partnership with Mrs Bukola Adedeji, Chairperson of Bariga LCDA and Mr Lateef Ashimi, Chairman, Shomolu LGA respectively, both of whom expressed support for technology-driven educational development.
The organisers explained that the programme was developed to strengthen young people’s AI-enabled competencies, giving them a competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving digital economy where technological literacy was increasingly essential.
More than 150 students from four secondary schools: Igbobi Junior High School, Eva Adelaja Girls Senior High School, Shomolu Senior High School and Lanre Awolokun Senior High School, participated in the event.
The event featured students displaying projects created during earlier training sessions held in their various schools, showcasing creativity, innovation and a deeper understanding of how AI tools can be applied to solve problems within their communities.
Participating schools received gifts, including laptops, while Alabi gave scholarships to three students from each school and pledged continuous support for sustained technological training across Bariga and Shomolu.
The Foundation’s officials emphasised that the initiative marked a significant step toward building a generation of digitally empowered young leaders equipped to thrive in Nigeria’s emerging innovation ecosystem.
Notable panelists at the event included Dr. Titi Gbadamosi, Presidential Youth Initiatives Adviser and AI Expert, Dr. Falilat Raheem, amongst others.
