Nigeria may be sitting on a demographic goldmine, but experts warn the country is dangerously close to turning that potential into a nationwide crisis. At a recent media dialogue in Lagos, specialists in education and technology raised alarms that millions of Nigerian children are simply not prepared for a digital, AI-powered global economy — a shift that is already redefining jobs, industries, and the future of work.
A Youthful Nation at High Risk
Nigeria prides itself on having one of the world’s youngest populations. But experts argue that this advantage will collapse if children continue to lack the digital competencies now required globally. Despite technological advancements sweeping across the world, a staggering proportion of Nigerian children still have limited or no access to digital tools, structured digital learning, or AI-related education.
With an estimated 18 million children out of school and millions more in classrooms without meaningful learning outcomes, stakeholders warn that the country is heading toward “a bleak, digitally-disconnected future.”
‘We Cannot Compete If Our Children Cannot Learn’
The dialogue revealed disturbing realities:
- The vast majority of Nigerian children — even those enrolled in school — are not receiving foundational digital training.
- Many public schools still lack electricity, computers, internet connectivity, or trained digital instructors.
- While peer countries like Rwanda, Kenya, and South Africa are embedding digital learning into public education, Nigeria continues to fall behind.
Experts described the situation as a slow-moving emergency, noting that being in school no longer guarantees learning. Many children leave primary and secondary school unable to operate basic digital devices — let alone engage with emerging technologies like AI, coding, robotics, and data literacy.
The Risk of Being Left Behind — Globally
As the world rapidly transitions into automation, AI-driven processes, and digital-first industries, Nigeria’s growing skills gap could become a national threat. Stakeholders warn that a generation lacking digital skills may face:
- Mass unemployment and underemployment
- Economic exclusion in a competitive global market
- Increased poverty and inequality
- A future where millions of youths cannot compete with their peers internationally
The message from experts is clear: Nigeria could miss out on the economic benefits of the digital revolution if urgent steps are not taken.
What Must Change — Immediately
Stakeholders at the dialogue emphasized several key solutions:
- Integrating digital literacy into school curricula from early childhood
- Equipping schools with electricity, devices, internet access, and trained instructors
- Focusing on foundational skills — literacy, numeracy, critical thinking — which are essential before digital learning can be effective
- Creating inclusive digital opportunities for girls, rural children, and low-income communities
- Aligning digital education with future jobs in AI, data science, cybersecurity, robotics, and advanced ICT
They also urged the government, private sector, and development partners to accelerate existing digital-education initiatives before the gap becomes irreversible.
A Call to Protect Nigeria’s Future
Nigeria’s future workforce will live in a world where digital literacy is as basic as reading and writing. Without urgent reforms, experts fear that millions of Nigerian children will enter adulthood unprepared, unemployable, and unable to thrive in a global economy driven by artificial intelligence and technology.
The warning is stark but simple:
If Nigeria fails to prepare its children for the digital era today, the country will pay a heavy price tomorrow.
