Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, has issued a direct challenge to Nigerian youth: embrace the digital age, or get left behind.
Speaking on Youth Forum, a live programme aired by Channels Television in honour of President Bola Tinubu’s second year in office, Tijani encouraged young people to explore the world of artificial intelligence (AI) and the growing digital economy.
He didn’t hold back on his message: “Do not listen to naysayers, do not participate in those who are wondering if this is a government that is there to serve them,” the minister said.
“You live in a time of artificial intelligence. You don’t even need help. Go into your ChatGPT or any generating AI of your choice.”
Tijani reinforced that the Tinubu administration is working to create space for youth across Nigeria no matter where they’re from or what they believe. He urged young people to stop waiting and start researching. Government initiatives, he said, are out there ready for anyone who makes the effort to find them.
“Your generation belongs to the AI people, leverage it. Find this information, you will see the link.”
The minister also revealed a plan already in motion:
“We’re now taking fiber optic internet into university hostels.”
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For Tijani, it’s not just about potential anymore, it’s about action. He praised President Tinubu’s commitment to tangible outcomes:
“And I think we’re extremely fortunate to have a president that is focused on moving Nigeria away from a country of promises, or a country of potentials, to one of performance.
“A president is a leader who wants to strengthen the foundation that can actually help us build the future that we all desire.
“Tinubu is focused on ensuring that the young people of this country can’t give them the opportunity,” he said.
Tijani’s message is clear, the tools are here, the infrastructure is coming, and the door is open. The question is will the youth step through it?