Young people must lead the AI ​​revolution with integrity – Stakeholders

Speakers at the 2026 Junior Chamber International Aso Secondary School Debate have urged young Nigerians to embrace artificial intelligence responsibly, stressing that integrity, ethical conduct and resilience will determine whether the technology becomes a force for national development or a tool of abuse.

The event, held in Abuja on Thursday, brought together students from 13 secondary schools to discuss the topic “Balancing the Benefits and Risks of Artificial Intelligence”.

Speaking at the event, JCI Aso 2026 President Peter Emanuel Yilbiem encouraged students to see AI as an opportunity rather than a threat, urging them to take a stand to shape its future.

“My advice to students in general is to embrace AI, take advantage of its great qualities and benefits, and help shape the future of AI and what we do with it,” he said.

Yilbeim noted that JCI Aso organized the discussion to expose young people to the opportunities and challenges associated with emerging technologies.

According to him, artificial intelligence should not be seen as a tool capable of replacing humans, but as a tool capable of transforming businesses and improving daily lives, if used responsibly.

“We targeted secondary school students because we believe they will shape the future of artificial intelligence, manage its risks and maximize its enormous potential,” he added.

The Chairman of the JCI Aso 2026 Secondary School Debate Committee, Olusola Alexander, said youths must be encouraged to express their ideas as they could provide solutions to Nigeria’s future challenges.

He told students that artificial intelligence has already become part of everyday life, helping education, healthcare and business, while also creating concerns about privacy, misinformation and ethics.

“The challenge for your generation is not whether AI will change the world; it already has. The real question is whether you will lead that change with wisdom, integrity and compassion,” he said.

Alexander urged participants to remain confident during debates, listen to opposing points of view and respect differing opinions, describing such qualities as essential ingredients of leadership.

He further advised Nigerian youths to remain resilient despite the prevailing economic challenges, stressing that they must become the change they desire.

Director and spokesperson of the Department of Public Light and Education, Demola Bakare, has warned students against the use of artificial intelligence for criminal activities, fraud and corruption.

He said that although artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies have become part of modern society, they should never be used to undermine humanity.

“We need young people to reject corruption in its entirety. We need them to reject the criminal and fraudulent use of artificial intelligence and denounce all forms of abuse,” he said.

Delivering the keynote address, Vivian Chiwen Nnamdi, Acting Head of Department, McGregor Lawrence University, Abuja, urged Nigerians to embrace artificial intelligence for the benefit of humanity.

He warned against using technology to spread false information, create panic or inflict harm on others.

“AI is here to stay. People should engage with AI ethically and continue to improve themselves as the technology advances,” he said.

Federal Government Boys College emerged as the overall winner of the debate competition.

Speaking after receiving the award, the school’s Nicholas Lawrence described the competition as memorable and urged students to remain determined in their pursuit of excellence.

“Everyone is a winner, but what matters is the effort you put in. Try harder in life and stay determined,” he said.

Esther Amarachi, who won the best speaker award, described the debate as enlightening, saying it deepened her understanding of the benefits and risks of artificial intelligence.

He appealed to the organizers to support the competition to ensure that more students learn to use artificial intelligence responsibly.

“The future is artificial intelligence and technology. Students should equip themselves with the knowledge and skills to use them responsibly,” he said.