Junior Chamber International, Obafemi Awolowo University, JCIOAU held the NextGen 2025, organized by the “Educate A Child” Committee of the organization to empower young minds, especially secondary school students from Ile-Ife, and to expose the students to the vast opportunities in the tech industry.
According to the “Educate A Child” Committee, chaired by Adetomiwa Akinbola Yusuff and Precious Olajide, the committee has long been dedicated to sponsoring the Education of underprivileged children, ensuring their academic journey from primary school to university. However, this year, the committee introduced NextGen as a new initiative to further its impact by fostering intellectual growth, critical thinking, and collaboration among students.
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The event sought to inspire the next generation of tech-driven leaders while promoting healthy competition and teamwork. Themed “Bridging the Gap: The Role of Technology in Addressing Future Skills Gaps,” the event attracted 14 secondary schools, each arriving with six students, while some brought additional participants. The day commenced with an opening speech from the Organization’s President, Mercy Elizabeth, followed by keynote addresses from distinguished speakers across multiple industries, including AI, Web3 technology, and more. These speakers not only shared their expertise but also served as judges for the debate competition.
One of the keynote speakers, Paul Okewunmi, captivated the students with a live demonstration of Jarvis AI, showing how artificial intelligence could aid academic learning. Another speaker, Michael Jerry, shared his inspiring journey of overcoming challenges to excel in the Web3 space, urging students to harness technology for innovation and problem-solving.
The debate competition unfolded in two rounds. The first round saw eight schools eliminated, leaving six finalists to tackle the second topic: “The Role of AI in Bridging the Educational Gap.” After intense deliberation, three schools emerged as winners, receiving cash prizes, tablets, and plaques as rewards. Kings Will College took the first place, while Our Ladies High School and Segilade Comprehensive School took the 2nd and 3rd place respectively.
Kings Will College received ₦20,000, a tablet for the winner, and a plaque for the school, while Our Ladies High School and Segilade Comprehensive School were awarded a tablet and plaque each. The event concluded with a skill exhibition, where students showcased their talents in tech-related fields. A standout participant from Apex Olive impressed the audience with a coding demonstration using Scratch and other programming languages, earning him a special cash prize and additional gifts.
The event was graced by several dignitaries and guests of honor, including the Representative of the Governor of Osun State, Barrister Nurudeen Kareem who serves as the Special adviser to the governor on Legal matters; a representative from the Ooni of Ife, Sooko Kemade Elugbaju; the Vice President of Ife Grand Resort, Princess Fadekemi Fadoju; the Vice Dean of the Faculty of Technology, Dr A. A. Akindahunsi; and the staff adviser of JCIOAU, Professor S.S. Okoya. Their presence added prestige to the occasion, reinforcing the importance of technology-driven education. In attendance was also the chief judge of the event, Adefolahan Omoloju, an alumnus of the University, alongside Feyisayo Awopetu, a leading Financial Analyst, Programs Manager and a one-time president of the organisation.
The speakers commended the committee for organizing an event which not only encouraged academic excellence but also introduced students to practical applications of technology. The schools in attendance expressed gratitude for the initiative, highlighting the impact of the event on their students’ confidence and aspirations.
In closing speech, the “Educate A Child” Committee Chairperson, Adetomiwa Akinbola Yusuf, urged students to embrace technology as a tool for growth and transformation. He emphasized that the participants of NextGen 2025 are the future leaders of the tech industry and encouraged them to return home with a renewed sense of purpose and ambition.
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Reacting to the event, a representative of the management of one of the Secondary schools in attendance said, ‘I deeply want to appreciate JCIOAU for the opportunity given to us. The students were so elated that the school came 3rd. It gave all of them a great sense of value. Thank you for the gifts, too. We look forward to next year!’
Another said, “Thank you very much, JCIOAU, We appreciate your invitation, welfarism and good gesture towards our representatives, Jazakumulohu Khayron”
The NextGen 2025 was a remarkable success, and the committee is committed to expanding the initiative, reaching even more students in the coming years. The vision of NextGen is to bridge the gap in education through technology and empower the next generation to become trailblazers in the digital era.