Artificial intelligence (AI) experts at the 2026 StudyIn conference have called on managers of the nation’s higher institutions and secondary schools to expose their students to AI.
The experts made the call at a one day conference organized by StudyIn Nigeria with the theme: “Future Ready: Succeeding in an AI-Driven World”.
They warned that Nigerian students may be left behind if the government and stakeholders do not act urgently to address the emerging gaps.
In her address, the Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer, Dr. Lola Olukuewu, said the current global trend about AI, can accomplish tasks faster than humans can.
She told the students that being future ready does not necessarily mean they should allow AI to think for them, stating, “being future ready is about your ability to use AI to solve several issues.”
Olukuewu charged the students not to outsource their brain to AI but see it as a learning partner and also adapt to the changing World.
“I discovered there are gaps in the education sector and I authored a book with AI for students. Use AI to understand your curriculum. Don’t throw your question to AI to solve, use your brain first.
“Our curriculum does not match the pace at which AI is moving in the education system. Our universities are still operating with obstacle machines. The government must create awareness before the introduction of AI in secondary schools. We must begin to catch them young,” Olukuewu noted.
During the panel discussion, speakers including Tolu Flosbach, Martha Okafor, Bolajoko Owolabi and David Ogbe, acknowledged that AI is changing the working environment and the education system.
They advised students to embrace AI and to use it to solve issues but warned against total reliance on AI and allowing it to think for them.
The panelists also urged government and secondary schools to ensure Nigerian students are part of the ongoing AI revolution taking place in the world.
In her speech, Country Director of StudyIn Nigeria, Mary Agbu, explained that students choosing where and what to study is about more than gaining admission.
“It is about helping young people understand their options, make informed decisions and prepare for what comes next,” she stated.
Agbu observed that over the years, the conference has grown into a platform where students meet representatives of foreign universities, hear from people working in different fields, and have conversations about education, careers and the world they are preparing to enter.
She revealed that this year’s conference is important because the world is changing rapidly, saying, “Artificial intelligence is changing how we learn, work and build careers, and students need to understand what this means for their future.”
The country director said the theme will explore these changes through panels and student-focused sessions.
On the essay competition, the country director said it is meant for year 11 and year 12 students to share their ideas about preparing for an AI-driven world.
Agbu added: “We hope you leave today with a clearer understanding of what is changing, what is possible and what you can begin doing now to prepare for the future.”
The Chief of Staff of StudyIn Nigeria, Adiba Ofungwu, said over a thousand students secured admission abroad through the organization while several universities representatives are at the conference to engage students.
She disclosed that StudyIn assists students to process admission to foreign universities in the USA, UK, Canada and other countries.
Ofungwu added: “Some students are not so clear about the opportunities that are available to them such as scholarship, discount or even outright 100 percent scholarship. Many students are not aware of these.We partner with over 250 foreign universities. “StudyIn is a global brand and we have secured admission for about 1.3million Worldwide. We are making sure we give Nigerian students the best in AI driven education,”she added.
Meanwhile, a 15-year-old student of The Lagoon School, Lekki, Lagos, Sienu Okoye, has emerged winner of the StudyIn Future Ready Essay competition and she went home with the coveted prize.
Okoye, an SS 11 student beat over 100 students that submitted entries for the 2026 edition.
Another female student from The Lagoon School, James Sorfunmi placed 3rd position.
The second position went to Tamilore Macaulay from Down College, Lagos.Okoye was presented with the star prize, MacBook, Macaulay received iPad while Sorefunmi got Tablet.
According to StudyIn, over 100 students submitted entries for the essay competition and after screening, 15 were invited for the final at the conference.
Aside from the three top winners, the organizers also rewarded the 12 other students as well as three schools, The Lagoon School, Dowen College and River Bank School.
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