KWALE/Nigeria: A globally recognised Data and Artificial Intelligence literacy advocate, Ambassador Chuks Ododo, has urged Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to make education and digital skills development a top priority, warning that failure to invest aggressively in the sector could leave a generation of young people ill-equipped for the demands of a rapidly evolving global economy.
Ododo, Co-founder of Scotland-based non-profit organisation DataKirk, issued the call in a Children’s Day message, stressing that while infrastructure projects remain important, the future prosperity of Delta State depends largely on strategic investments in skills-based, technology-driven education capable of preparing children for the digital age.
Speaking on the significance of Children’s Day 2026, the Data and AI literacy advocate said the annual celebration should go beyond ceremonies and speeches to become a moment of reflection on the quality of opportunities available to young people.
According to him, education remains the most critical pillar of sustainable development, noting that no society can achieve its full potential without prioritising knowledge, innovation and skills acquisition.
“No state or country can achieve its developmental potential without prioritising education and skills. Roads and bridges are visible wins, but education is the foundation upon which every other achievement is built,” Ododo stated.
Drawing comparisons between educational systems in developed countries and those in Nigeria, Ododo observed that children in countries such as Scotland are exposed to digital learning tools, coding programmes and artificial intelligence platforms from an early age, while many schools in Delta State continue to grapple with inadequate infrastructure, poor internet connectivity and shortages of qualified STEM teachers.
He warned that the growing digital divide poses serious economic and social consequences for the future workforce, particularly as global employers increasingly demand competencies in technology, data analysis, digital communication and critical thinking.
The DataKirk co-founder argued that the prevailing emphasis on certificates rather than practical skills within Nigeria’s educational system has contributed significantly to youth unemployment and underemployment.
“Many of our Delta youths are not employed because our schools are more certificate-based instead of skills-based,” he said.
Ododo stressed that students must be equipped with relevant workplace skills that will enable them to compete effectively in an increasingly technology-driven world.
He pointed to DataKirk’s experience in Scotland, where structured digital skills training, mentorship programmes and industry partnerships have helped bridge educational and social inequalities among underserved communities.
According to him, Delta State can replicate similar successes through deliberate policy reforms and sustained investment in education.
To address the challenges, Ododo proposed a four-point agenda for the state government, beginning with a substantial increase in education funding to support digital learning infrastructure, internet connectivity, smart classrooms and device accessibility for students.
He also advocated the recruitment and continuous training of qualified teachers, particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), to strengthen the quality of instruction across public schools.
The education advocate further called for stronger public-private sector partnerships capable of attracting investments into innovation hubs, coding clubs, vocational centres and technology laboratories across the state.
He recommended the establishment of STEM clubs and technology innovation hubs in all local government areas to expose students to emerging technologies and real-world industry opportunities.
Ododo also emphasised the need for balanced investment across primary and secondary education, insisting that foundational learning remains critical to long-term academic and career success.
“Infrastructural development, roads and bridges are very good. But education remains one of the critical components of accessing a thriving economy and a performing government,” he added.
The Delta-born advocate highlighted the role of the diaspora community in supporting educational development, describing overseas professionals as valuable partners capable of contributing expertise, mentorship, global networks and investment opportunities.
He noted that DataKirk’s work in Scotland demonstrates how collaboration between governments, communities and development-focused organisations can accelerate digital inclusion and create pathways to economic empowerment.
Ododo challenged policymakers to view Children’s Day as a platform for accountability rather than mere celebration, urging leaders to commit to measurable actions that will improve learning outcomes and equip young people for future opportunities.
“Delta’s children deserve more than celebration. They deserve action,” he said, calling for concrete interventions ranging from increased budgetary allocations and teacher recruitment to broadband connectivity and digital learning tools in classrooms across the state.
He maintained that with its youthful population, abundant resources and vibrant diaspora network, Delta State possesses the ingredients necessary to become a leader in education and innovation, provided government demonstrates the political will to invest in the future of its children.
