Brand practitioner and education advocate, Dr Eddy A. Ademosu, has urged educational authorities and school promoters to prepare children not only for examinations but also for the jobs, technologies and challenges of the future.
Ademosu made the call while delivering a public lecture at the 20th anniversary celebration of De-Dynamic Private Schools, Sango-Otta, on Friday.
Speaking on the theme, “From 2006 to 2026 and Beyond: Building Resilient Minds for a VUCA World,” he said the rapid emergence of artificial intelligence, automation and other technologies had significantly changed the skills required to succeed in the workplace.
According to him, the world students will graduate into is markedly different from the one that existed when the school was established in 2006.
He therefore called for a shift from an education system focused primarily on examination results to one that develops students who can adapt, innovate and solve problems in an increasingly volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous world.
Ademosu said the key question should go beyond whether students were passing examinations such as WAEC and JAMB to whether they were acquiring the resilience and competencies needed to thrive beyond the classroom.
He identified artificial intelligence literacy, creativity, critical thinking and emotional intelligence among the essential skills students would need to remain relevant in the changing world of work.
The education advocate particularly challenged schools to embrace AI in education, urging them to move beyond simply restricting students from using artificial intelligence tools and instead teach them how to use the technology responsibly and productively.
“AI won’t take your job. Someone using AI will,” he said, urging De-Dynamic to expose its students to emerging technologies, including prompt engineering and other digital skills.
He also called for greater emphasis on creativity, saying young Nigerians should be encouraged to develop innovative solutions across technology, entertainment, fashion, business and other sectors.
On critical thinking, Ademosu said students should be taught to question information, examine evidence and identify sources and motives, particularly in an era of misinformation, fake news and online fraud.
He added that emotional intelligence was equally important, noting that empathy, teamwork, communication and self-control were essential qualities for sustainable careers and effective leadership.
Ademosu called for the strengthening of coding clubs, debate societies, entrepreneurship programmes and school counselling. He also advocated partnerships with technology hubs and EdTech companies to expose students to practical skills.
“A certificate gets you an interview. Character + Competence + Creativity gets you a career,” he said.
The lecturer commended De-Dynamic Private Schools for its resilience over the past two decades, noting that the institution had navigated economic challenges, the COVID-19 pandemic, insecurity, policy changes and rising operational costs.
He described the school’s 20-year journey as one of “grit, growth and greatness”, citing the progress of its alumni who, according to him, are now found in universities, businesses, hospitals, government and the diaspora.
Ademosu said the institution’s greatest achievement should not be measured solely by examination results but also by its ability to produce disciplined, responsible and upright citizens.
He urged the alumni to play greater roles in the development of the school and the wider community by becoming mentors, employers and advocates.
He proposed the establishment of a De-Dynamic Alumni Impact Fund and an Adopt-a-Class Programme to deepen alumni contributions to the institution.
Looking ahead, Ademosu urged the school to build on its achievements over the past 20 years and use the next two decades to develop a stronger culture of leadership.
He described the next phase as a transition from “BUILD” to “LEAD”, with BUILD representing Brilliance in Academics, Upright Character, Innovative Mindset, Life Skills and Dynamic Excellence, while LEAD represents Leadership, Excellence, Accountability and Distinction.
Earlier, the Director of De-Dynamic Private Schools, Dr Jide Bello, said the 20th anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on the institution’s journey and renew its commitment to quality education.
Bello said the school had grown from an idea established two decades ago into an institution whose alumni were now contributing to society across various professions and fields.
He said the school’s mission had always extended beyond academic instruction to developing knowledge, character, confidence, discipline, creativity and a sense of responsibility among its students.
The director expressed appreciation to parents for entrusting their children to the school and commended past and present teachers and other members of staff for their contributions to its development.
Describing teachers as “builders of lives”, Bello stressed that the influence of a teacher could extend beyond the classroom and remain with a child throughout life.
He urged current students to take advantage of the opportunities available to them, study diligently and combine academic excellence with good character, respect and a commitment to contributing positively to society.
Bello also called on alumni to remain connected with the institution and support its continued development.
Looking to the future, he said De-Dynamic would continue to prioritise innovation, excellence and continuous improvement, particularly in response to rapid changes brought about by technology, artificial intelligence and globalisation.
He said the school was committed to becoming stronger academically, morally and technologically while creating an environment where students could develop their talents, curiosity and confidence to confront future challenges.
Bello described the anniversary as a celebration not only of the school but also of the parents, teachers, students, alumni, friends and supporters who had contributed to its growth over the past 20 years.
