Olarvo Calls for Greater AI and Digital Skills Education as NextGen Initiative Reaches Over 300 Lagos Students 

Funmi Ogundare

As Artificial Intelligence continues to transform industries and redefine the future of work, Nigerian technology company Olarvo is calling for greater investment in AI and digital skills education following the successful completion of another phase of its NextGen Initiative, which has impacted more than 300 senior secondary school students (SS1–SS3) across three schools in Lagos State. 

The initiative, themed “Preparing for the Future: Purpose, Technology, AI and Career Opportunities for the Next Generation,” was designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and the rapidly evolving digital economy by introducing students to emerging technologies, software engineering, entrepreneurship, and the opportunities created by Artificial Intelligence. 

With the World Economic Forum projecting continued growth in demand for AI, technology, and digital skills, and UNESCO advocating for responsible AI literacy in education, initiatives that prepare students for an increasingly digital future have never been more relevant. 

Over the past few months, Olarvo has successfully delivered the NextGen Initiative at St. Augustine Secondary School, BenVic Private Secondary School, and Evanna Private Secondary School, reaching students through engaging and practical learning experiences led by industry professionals. 

The programme featured Edidiong Etok, Senior Software Engineer, and Israel Iyonsi, Senior Software Engineer, who shared practical insights into software engineering, prompt engineering, Artificial Intelligence, entrepreneurship, and the wide range of career opportunities available in today’s technology ecosystem. 

Students were not only introduced to these concepts but actively participated through live AI demonstrations, technology competitions, interactive question-and-answer sessions, and practical discussions that showed how technology can be applied to solve everyday problems. 

One of the initiative’s most significant achievements has been its continued impact beyond the classroom. Of the more than 300 students reached, approximately 200 have joined the Olarvo NextGen Mentorship Community, where they continue to receive guidance, career support, and learning opportunities from experienced professionals. 

Speaking on the vision behind the initiative, Efosa Anita Osagie, Convener of the Olarvo NextGen Initiative, said the programme was created to ensure that young Nigerians are equipped for opportunities emerging in the digital economy. 

“At Olarvo, we believe that talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. The NextGen Initiative exists to close that gap by giving young people early exposure to technology, Artificial Intelligence, mentorship, and the confidence to believe they can build solutions that transform communities and shape the future. We are not just preparing students for 

after secondary school, we are empowering future innovators, founders, and leaders. In their chosen career” 

The impact of the initiative was evident in the feedback received from participating schools. 

A principal from one of the participating schools described the programme as both timely and transformational. 

“Education must evolve alongside the world our children are preparing to enter. Olarvo’s NextGen Initiative introduced our students to emerging technologies in a practical and engaging way, helping them understand that Artificial Intelligence is not something to fear but a tool they can use to innovate, solve problems, and create opportunities for themselves.” 

The sessions also resonated strongly with students, many of whom experienced their first practical introduction to Artificial Intelligence. 

One participating student said: 

“Before today, I thought Artificial Intelligence was only for experts. Now I understand that I can learn how to use it responsibly, build technology, and even pursue a career in software engineering. This programme has changed the way I think about my future.” 

For the facilitators, the experience reinforced the importance of exposing students to technology at an early stage. 

According to Edidiong Etok, Senior Software Engineer: 

“The future belongs to young people who are curious, adaptable, and willing to embrace technology. Beyond teaching AI, our goal was to help students understand that they have the potential to become creators of technology and not just consumers.” 

Throughout the programme, students explored topics including Artificial Intelligence, prompt engineering, software engineering, technology entrepreneurship, digital literacy, responsible AI usage, and career planning skills that complement classroom education while preparing them for the future of work. 

Looking ahead, Olarvo is seeking strategic partnerships with government institutions, educational stakeholders, development organisations, and private-sector partners to expand the initiative across Lagos State and beyond. 

The company expressed particular interest in collaborating with the Lagos State Government and relevant education agencies to extend the programme to more public and private secondary schools, enabling thousands more students to benefit from quality AI education, digital literacy, technology awareness, and structured mentorship. 

As conversations around Artificial Intelligence continue to shape education and employment globally, the NextGen Initiative demonstrates how collaboration between schools and the technology sector can help prepare the next generation of Nigerian innovators, entrepreneurs, and problem-solvers.