UNESCO, UNN, Igbo-Eze South Train Over 500 Youths in Ethical Artificial Intelligence

Linus Aleke in Abuja

Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area of Enugu State, in partnership with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) Department of Vocational Education, has successfully trained over 500 youths in ethical artificial intelligence.

The programme attracted participants from Enugu North Senatorial District as well as neighbouring communities in Benue and Kogi States.

Speaking to THISDAY, the Chairman of Igbo-Eze South LGA, Hon. Ugo Ferdinand Ukwueze, revealed that his administration also empowered an additional 250 youths with vocational skills.

This, he said complements earlier initiatives, including the payment of WAEC and JAMB fees for all students in the LGA to encourage them to pursue education, particularly indigent students.

Hon. Ukwueze emphasised that these initiatives were deliberate, undertaken not because they were convenient or easy, but because meaningful progress often requires sacrifice.

The human rights lawyer noted that while the cost was significant, such investments are necessary today to secure the gains of tomorrow.

He stressed that the overarching goal of his administration is to equip Igbo-Eze youths to compete favourably with their peers globally.

“Our most recent initiative focuses on training youths in ethical artificial intelligence. This programme was conducted in collaboration with UNESCO, which provided technical support and manpower. We also partnered with the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, through its Department of Vocational Education. The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simon Otuanya, further supported the initiative by providing access to university facilities. Through this collaboration, we successfully trained over 500 youths in these critical fields,” he said.

The Chairman added: “Importantly, the programme was not limited to Igbo-Eze South. Given its UNESCO certification, the training carries significant value for participants across Enugu State. The application was open to all interested individuals from Enugu North Senatorial District, attracting participants from various communities. Some even travelled from Lagos and Onitsha to take part. In total, participants came from 17 local government areas within the state, while 30 others came from outside the state, particularly Kogi and Benue. We welcomed everyone willing to learn.”

Highlighting other youth empowerment initiatives, the Chairman added: “We paid WAEC and JAMB fees for all students in the LGA to encourage serious engagement with education. Additionally, individuals who had finished O level education but sought to establish themselves in business were enrolled at the Mario Institute, an entrepreneurial institution where youths acquire skills in various arts and trades. As at December 2025, 250 students had successfully graduated.

“The Mario Institute is owned by the Catholic Diocese of Nsukka, and its principal, a dedicated Catholic priest, has committed his life to training youths in crafts and vocational skills. I am proud to report that 50 graduates have already secured opportunities outside Enugu North Senatorial District. Organisations from Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Rivers regularly seek the services of trainees from the institute. This is how we are realising our vision of building resourceful and focused youths for Igbo-Eze South.”

Hon. Ukwueze also highlighted collaboration with St Mary Agro Institution, owned by the Catholic Diocese of Enugu and located in Udi.

Participants in the six-month intensive agricultural training programme acquired practical skills, with foreign agro-based organisations applying to engage the graduates.

“Through these initiatives, Igbo-Eze South LGA continues to prioritise youth empowerment, combining education, vocational skills, and emerging technologies to prepare young people for competitive opportunities both within Nigeria and globally,” the Chairman said.