KUKAH URGES NIGERIAN YOUTHS TO HARNESS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, BUILD BUSINESSES AND TRANSFORM SOCIETY

The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Reverend Matthew Hassan Kukah, has urged Nigerian youths to take advantage of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to build businesses, create opportunities and contribute to national development. Kukah delivered the message while presenting the convocation lecture of Augustine University, Epe, Lagos, on Thursday, the lecture was titled The Pursuit of Happiness in a World of Moral Relativism. The cleric encouraged young Nigerians to move beyond constant complaints about political leadership and recognise the opportunities available through education, innovation and technological advancement. According to him, artificial intelligence is transforming several sectors, including education, medicine, banking, agriculture, law, engineering and business, he argued that young people should understand these changes and develop the skills necessary to participate meaningfully in the evolving global economy. Kukah acknowledged that Nigerian youths have legitimate reasons to be frustrated by unemployment, poor leadership, perceived injustice and limited economic opportunities. However, he warned against allowing these challenges to discourage them from pursuing productive ambitions, he encouraged graduates to use their education and available technological tools to establish enterprises, develop solutions and create institutions that can contribute to society. The bishop also addressed the growing migration trend among Nigerian youths, acknowledging that some may seek opportunities abroad while encouraging them to remain committed to building meaningful solutions wherever they find themselves. He stressed that education should produce more than certificates, insisting that its true value lies in the ability to solve problems and improve society. Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of Augustine University, Professor Anthony Akinwale, argued that Nigeria’s challenges should not make citizens lose confidence in the country’s enormous human and material potential. The university’s Chancellor, Femi Otedola, also emphasised the importance of education in transforming individuals, families and nations, the convocation lecture comes at a time when artificial intelligence is increasingly influencing employment, entrepreneurship and professional development across the world. For Nigerian graduates, the message highlights the importance of acquiring digital skills and adapting to changing workplace demands, as technology continues to reshape the global economy, young Nigerians will need creativity, competence and practical knowledge to remain competitive.