The Ife Varsity Saki Students’ Union (IVSSU), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has equipped students with practical Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills at the 18th Oba Abimbola Memorial Lecture held on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at the Saki City HThe annual lecture, themed “The Development Oke-Ogun Youths Need: A Call for Collective Responsibility,” attracted representatives from 20 secondary schools across the Oke-Ogun region, who participated as key beneficiaries of the educational intervention.
Delivering the keynote address, the Guest Speaker and Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Obafemi Awolowo University, Prof. Adam Muritala, urged students to focus on the practical dimensions of their fields of study and acquire relevant skills capable of solving real-life problems. He stressed that education, supported by strong political will, stakeholder collaboration, and the creation of an enabling environment, remains sufficient to transform the Oke-Ogun region.
The lecture also featured an interactive panel session with three panellists who exposed participants to emerging opportunities in Artificial Intelligence. They highlighted career paths such as Project Development, Digital Marketing, Data Analysis and Data Science, noting AI’s growing influence in shaping the future of work. The panellists encouraged students to cultivate curiosity, think deeply, and challenge limitations. One of them noted that AI is not exclusive to top academic performers, urging students to explore the field and add value in their chosen endeavours.
The Chairman of the event and Chief Medical Director of the Federal University Ila-Orangun Teaching Hospital, Prof. Kola Owonikoko, was represented by Surv. Dr. (Prince) Badmus Yinusa Adepoju, PhD, JP, MNIS. He advised students to strengthen their formal education with modern skills and intentional personal development in order to effectively confront life’s challenges.
Representing the Okere of Saki, Oba Khalid Olabisi Oyedepo III, the Apeeki of Saki, High Chief Busari Ganiyu Adio, commended the organisers for sustaining the legacy of the late Okere Abimbola Oyedokun II. He charged them to continue to serve as worthy ambassadors of Saki City.
The Patron of the Union, Dr. Niyi Ojo, who also represented the Chief Host, Hon. Justice Munta Abimbola (Rtd), underscored the importance of education as the foundation of success. He recalled the role of the students’ union as a platform that unites students from diverse backgrounds within the community. Despite existing challenges, Dr. Ojo said the annual lecture has continued to overcome obstacles and inspire young people, urging students to remain focused and diligent so they can become valuable assets to their communities and the nation.
Former President of IVSSU, Babarinde Godwin, emphasized the need to connect Saki youths to the global economy through Artificial Intelligence in order to maximize current digital opportunities. He assured participants that the programme would include follow-up engagements and further reorientation on AI skills, noting that beneficiaries would be contacted through the data they provided.
While appreciating guests and stakeholders, the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Folaranmi Fehintola, highlighted the critical intervention of Great Ife Alumni, Saki, in sustaining the legacy of Oba Abimbola Oyedokun II. He acknowledged their consistent support in the planning and execution of the event, expressing profound gratitude on behalf of the organising team and the association.
Students who participated in the programme praised the organisers for exposing them to legitimate global opportunities through Artificial Intelligence. They noted that the initiative broadened their perspectives and encouraged them not to limit their talents. One of the students said the programme exposed participants to “reaching new heights in life through modern practices.”
