A brand practitioner and education advocate, Dr. Eddy A. Ademosu, has urged educational authorities and promoters to prepare children not only for today’s examinations but 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, stressing that the rapid emergence of artificial intelligence, automation and other technologies had fundamentally altered the skills required to succeed in the workplace.
Speaking on the theme, “From 2006 to 2026 and Beyond: Building Resilient Minds for a VUCA World,” he said the world students would graduate into was significantly different from the one that existed when the school was established in 2006.
According to him, the education system must therefore shift from an exclusive focus on examination results to developing children who can adapt, innovate and solve problems in a world that is increasingly volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA).
He said the key question should no longer be simply whether students were passing examinations such as WAEC and JAMB, but whether they were acquiring the resilience and competencies required to thrive beyond the classroom.
Ademosu identified artificial intelligence literacy, creativity, critical thinking and emotional intelligence as some of the essential skills students would need to remain relevant in the changing world of work.
He particularly challenged the school to embrace AI in education, urging it to move beyond restricting students from using artificial intelligence tools to teaching them how to use the technology responsibly and productively.
“AI won’t take your job. Someone using AI will,” he said, urging the school to expose students to emerging technologies, including prompt engineering and other digital skills.
He also called for greater emphasis on creativity, saying young Nigerians must be encouraged to develop innovative solutions in technology, entertainment, fashion, business and other sectors.
On critical thinking, Ademosu said students must be taught to question information, examine evidence and identify sources and motives, especially in an era characterised by misinformation, fake news and online fraud.
He added that emotional intelligence was equally important, noting that qualities such as empathy, teamwork, communication and self-control were essential for building sustainable careers and effective leadership.
The lecturer therefore called for the strengthening of coding clubs, debate societies, entrepreneurship programmes and school counselling, as well as partnerships with technology hubs and EdTech companies to expose students to practical skills.
He said: “A certificate gets you an interview. Character + Competence + Creativity gets you a career.”
Ademosu also commended De-Dynamic for its resilience over the past two decades, noting that the school had survived economic challenges, the COVID-19 pandemic, insecurity, policy changes and rising operational costs.
He described the institution’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.
He said the school’s greatest achievement should not be measured only by examination results, but also by its ability to produce disciplined, responsible and upright citizens.
Ademosu also challenged the alumni to play greater roles in the development of the institution and the 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 school.
Looking ahead, he urged the institution 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 school’s 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 was 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 that had produced students now contributing to society in various professions and fields.
He said the school’s mission had always gone beyond academic instruction to developing knowledge, character, confidence, discipline, creativity and a sense of responsibility in its students.
The director expressed appreciation to parents for entrusting their children to the school, while also commending past and present teachers and other members of staff for their contributions to the institution’s development.
He described teachers as “builders of lives,” stressing that the influence of a teacher could extend well beyond the classroom and remain with a child throughout life.
Bello 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.
He also called on alumni to remain connected with the institution and support its continued development.
Looking to the future, Bello said De-Dynamic would continue to prioritise innovation, excellence and continuous improvement, particularly in response to the 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.
The director described the anniversary as a celebration not only of the school but of the parents, teachers, students, alumni, friends and supporters who had contributed to its growth over the past 20 years.
