UI VC Charges Students to Become Smart Digital Citizens

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode O. Adebowale, has charged secondary school students to become smart digital citizens and responsible users of technology.

He gave the charge at the 2026 Digital Safety Workshop organised by the University of Ibadan Women Society (UIWS), themed "Smart Digital Citizens: Staying Safe in the Age of Artificial Intelligence."

Secondary school students from ten schools within Ibadan metropolis participated in the workshop designed to equip them with knowledge and skills for navigating an increasingly digital and AI-powered world.

Prof. Adebowale commended UIWS, under leadership of Dr. Yemisi Adebowale, for conceptualising programme, describing it as timely and essential to future of the nation.

He noted workshop demonstrated commitment of University to extending intellectual resources beyond its gates and ensuring knowledge generated contributes to betterment of society.

The Vice-Chancellor observed Artificial Intelligence has moved from being a distant concept to present reality, influencing communication, education, entertainment and access to information.

He, however, expressed concern about rapid pace of AI development and need for safeguards to keep pace with emerging technologies.

He stressed importance of ensuring Africans participate in conversations and developments around AI to better understand and respond to its consequences.

According to him, technological advancement comes with responsibility, particularly as digital spaces are increasingly associated with misinformation, deepfakes, privacy concerns, cyberbullying and manipulation of young minds through harmful or addictive content.

Prof. Adebowale said awareness, critical thinking, responsibility and resilience are four qualities needed by smart digital citizens who must understand both opportunities and risks associated with digital spaces.

He urged students to question information they encounter, recognise permanence of digital footprints and protect mental health and wellbeing against online pressures.

He encouraged students to use technology positively rather than allow technology to control them, urging them to be curious but cautious, connected but discerning, while remaining ethical.

Prof. Adebowale further charged students to become ambassadors of digital safety in their schools and communities by sharing knowledge gained with peers and promoting conversations on responsible technology use.

He also urged principals and teachers from participating schools to integrate digital literacy into classrooms, create safe spaces for students to discuss online experiences and strengthen partnerships with University.

The President, University of Ibadan Women Society, Dr. Yemisi Adebowale, whose address was delivered on her behalf by Dr. Temilola Olapegba, said workshop reflected commitment of UIWS to empowering young people with knowledge and skills needed to navigate rapidly changing world.

She said workshop was designed to move students beyond being mere users of technology to becoming informed, responsible, safe and critical digital citizens.

She appreciated Vice-Chancellor for chairing occasion and supporting initiative, as well as principals and teachers for bringing students to programme.

Prof. Sherifat Adeyinka Aboaba, Director, UI Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, delivered keynote address titled "Digital Citizens: Staying Safe in the Age of Artificial Intelligence," emphasising importance of equipping young people with knowledge and confidence to navigate opportunities and challenges presented by AI.

Dr. Aderonke Busayo Sakpere also delivered lecture titled "Smart Digital Citizens: Staying Safe in the Age of AI," addressing key issues including cybersecurity, social media, privacy, misinformation and digital footprints, highlighting cybersecurity basics, responsible social media use, understanding AI and its limitations, managing digital footprints, identifying misinformation and practising privacy-conscious and responsible technology use as six essential skills for navigating connected, AI-powered world.

Participating schools were The International School, Ibadan; Baptist Secondary School; Olives International School; Maverick School; Bishop Philips Academy; Methodist Grammar School; Abadina College; Immanuel College High School; Saint Louis Grammar School and Hillcrest High School.