Abubakar Sulaiman, the director-general of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, says responsible use of artificial intelligence, integrity, and critical thinking are essential for future leaders.

Mr Sulaiman said this on Thursday at the Vision 2035 AI-Athon 2.0 Interschool Digital LeadHERship Workshop, organised by the Young Communicators Initiative in Abuja. He said AI was changing how people learn, communicate, work and solve problems, highlighting the need for young women to acquire digital skills and use technology ethically.

“We cannot prepare young women for leadership in the 21st century using only the tools and assumptions of the 20th century. Artificial intelligence is already changing the way people learn, communicate, work and solve problems. Young women must learn not only how to use AI, but how to use it responsibly, ethically and creatively. Technology does not create leadership; people do,” he said.

Mr Sulaiman said leadership begins before people assume official positions, explaining that it is rooted in personal values, knowledge and the willingness to accept responsibility. According to him, AI cannot replace integrity, empathy, courage, responsibility or sound judgement.

Mr Sulaiman urged the students not to underestimate themselves because of their age, noting that their opinions and contributions could make a difference in their schools and communities.

“Do not be afraid to speak because you are younger and do not assume your opinion is unimportant because you are a student,” he said.

Gabriel Adeniyi, vice-chancellor of Baze University, Abuja, urged youths to reject discrimination, prejudice and other harmful behaviours.

Mr Adeniyi said leadership was not limited to holding public office or occupying positions of authority but began with personal choices, values and the willingness to make life better for others.

He said every generation inherited valuable lessons from its predecessors but must distinguish between positive values and harmful practices.

“Every generation receives a baton from those who came before it; that baton contains knowledge, experience, wisdom, sacrifice, courage and lessons learned from difficult moments. But there is an important distinction between carrying the baton and carrying the baggage. Not everything handed down to us deserves to be carried forward,” he said.

Mr Adeniyi also urged young men to support the ambitions of their female counterparts, stressing that society will become stronger when everyone has equal opportunities to contribute. He said the next generation should improve existing institutions, challenge harmful assumptions and build a more inclusive society.

(NAN)