Ogun students exposed to emerging technologies

The Louis Awode Foundation (LAF) has partnered with Sacred Heart Catholic College, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, to organise an inter-class essay competition on Artificial Intelligence (AI), using the school’s 25th anniversary celebration to encourage students to engage with emerging technologies and their implications for education in Nigeria.

The competition, with the theme: ‘Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Education in Nigeria’, attracted more than 100 entries from students in both the junior and senior secondary schools.

Organisers said the initiative was designed to stimulate critical thinking, reward academic excellence and expose young Nigerians to the rapidly expanding role of AI in education and society.

Students were given one week to submit essays, after which a panel of judges selected the three best entries. The overall winner received N100,000 and a plaque, while the first and second runners-up received N50,000 and N30,000 respectively, alongside plaques.

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Outstanding essays will also be published in national newspapers to give the students wider exposure.

The awards were presented on behalf of the Louis Awode Foundation by Ms. Olaoluwa Awode during the college’s valedictory ceremony for graduating students.

The event also featured an interactive session on Artificial Intelligence, technology-driven careers, leadership, innovation and digital opportunities.

Daniel Ilori of SS2 emerged overall winner, while Adesina Joy Oluwatobiloba of JSS3 Yellow finished as first runner-up. Promise Moyosoreoluwa Ogunsanya of SS1 was named second runner-up.

Speaking on the initiative, the founder, Louis Awode Foundation and Vice President International of the college’s alumni association, Louis Awode, said the programme reflected the foundation’s commitment to preparing young Nigerians for a technology-driven future.

“It is a great honour to give back to my alma mater. Everyone knows how passionate we are as a foundation about education and the need to educate the new generation about Artificial Intelligence, which is taking over the world’s discussion,” he said.