The future of technology came to life on Friday, August 28, 2026, as young participants in the 2026 AI Summer Programme, organised by the Artificial Intelligence University Innovation Pod (AI UniPod, UNILAG), University of Lagos, showcased innovative projects and practical applications of Artificial Intelligence developed during the programme.
The event which served as the programme’s closing ceremony brought together members of the University Management, staff, parents of participants and representatives of participating institutions to celebrate the participants’ learning journey and the possibilities unlocked through their exposure to Artificial Intelligence, robotics, and other emerging technologies.
“UNILAG’s Investment in AI education is part of its commitment to developing human capital…”
In his remarks, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services), Professor Foluso Afolabi Lesi, said the growth and development of young people must be supported not only with the tools required to meet global expectations, but also with an environment that encourages scholarship, creativity, and innovation.
Professor Afolabi Lesi noted that as technology continues to evolve, Artificial Intelligence has become increasingly significant in shaping the world, adding that young learners must be equipped to participate meaningfully in this transformation.
Similarly, the Director of Academic Planning, Professor Olufunlayo Bammeke who served as the representative of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics and Research), Professor Olusoji Ilori, said preparing young people for the future must begin early. She described the University’s investment in AI education as part of its commitment to developing human capital capable of responding to the demands of a rapidly changing world.
Professor Bammeke noted that the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence across sectors makes it imperative to equip young learners with the knowledge, skills, and mindset required to remain relevant in the future labour market.
She said the University’s commitment to foundational learning and innovation would help nurture young talents and enable them to harness technology creatively and responsibly.
According to her, Artificial Intelligence and robotics are already reshaping the global landscape, making programmes such as the AI Summer Programme important in creating a continuum of learning and innovation from an early age.
The Director of AI UniPod, UNILAG and Coordinator, UNILAG AIRLAB, Professor Chika Yinka-Banjo, described the participants’ engagement with the programme as creative and rewarding.
She commended the participants for their enthusiasm and willingness to learn, noting that their active participation demonstrated the value of creating opportunities for young people to engage with emerging technologies.
Professor Yinka-Banjo said the world was evolving rapidly and that young people needed the right tools and knowledge to navigate the changing technological landscape.
“AI is the Tool; Your Imagination is the Valuable Part”
Delivering a presentation on “Inspiring the Next Generation in Tech,” Miss Joyce Odunayo Adebisi, a pioneer member of the AI and Robotics Club, challenged the participants to look beyond simply learning how to operate technology.
She described Artificial Intelligence as a tool, stressing that human imagination, originality, and the ability to learn remain critical to meaningful innovation.
Miss Adebisi drew a distinction between learning technology and using technology, explaining that while the Summer Programme provided participants with an opportunity to learn, the real test would be their ability to apply that knowledge creatively beyond the programme.
She urged the young learners to be intentional about developing their own ideas rather than waiting for others to determine what they should create. According to her, technology, programming languages, and AI systems will continue to change, but the ability to learn, adapt, and create will remain valuable.
She challenged the participants to aspire not merely to become users of existing technologies, but to become the people who “build what comes next.”
Opportunity to Reflect on Experiences and Demonstrate Knowledge
The closing ceremony provided an opportunity for participants to reflect on their experiences and demonstrate the knowledge acquired during the programme, while reinforcing the University’s commitment to introducing young learners to emerging technologies and nurturing the next generation of innovators.
The 2026 AI Summer Programme attracted participants from Queens College, UNILAG International School (ISL), Methodist Girls High School (MGHS), UNILAG Staff School, UNILAG Women Society School and other institutions.
Author: Afolabi Akinola
Photographs: Islamiat Akanni
