Scholar tasks faith-based organisations on bridging Nigeria's digital divide with tech hubs
A Senior lecturer and Team Lead, Digital & Creative Enterprise at the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), Ikorodu, Dr. Steven Anu’ Adesemoye has urged faith-based organisations across
A Senior lecturer and Team Lead, Digital & Creative Enterprise at the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), Ikorodu, Dr. Steven Anu' Adesemoye has urged faith-based organisations across Nigeria to transcend traditional spiritual roles by investing in digital technology hubs to equip Nigeria's burgeoning youth with globally competitive skills.
Adesemoye made the call during his presentation at the 31st Annual National Youth Retreat of the C.A.C, Christ City of Peace Evangelical Ministry (CCOPEM) held in Lagos on Friday, April 3, 2026.
At the retreat tagged “The New Beginning”, said that the survival of the Nigerian youth in the modern industrial landscape depends on a strategic equilibrium between spiritual guidance and technical proficiency.
Addressing a capacity audience of young congregants, Adesemoye argued that the contemporary "new normal" demands a radical shift in how religious institutions support their members.
He noted that while spiritual nourishment remains fundamental, it must be complemented by what he termed "digital vitamins"- essential technical skills such as Artificial Intelligence, prompt engineering, data analytics, and no-code development.
He noted that the responsibility for closing the widening knowledge gap and meeting global expectations should not rest solely on the government's shoulders if Nigeria is to achieve sustainable economic growth.
"There must be a deliberate balance between spiritual nourishment and digital vitamins if our youths are to fit into emerging industrial needs," he said.
Expatiating further during his presentation, titled ''RESTART: Your New Beginning in the Digital Age'', Dr. Adesemoye maintained that faith-based organisations possess the reach and resources to act as critical interventionists in digital training.
''By establishing tech hubs within their communities, these organisations can provide the necessary infrastructure and mentorship for youths who might otherwise be excluded from the digital economy due to financial or social constraints.''
He highlighted a sobering disparity between the skills employers demand and those currently possessed by Nigerian graduates, citing data from the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which revealed that while 88 per cent of employers prioritise data analysis, only 12 per cent of graduates meet the requirement, saying: "The job is there; the skill is not."
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While emphasising that religious bodies are uniquely positioned to bridge this chasm, the scholar urged the church to view digital literacy not as a secular distraction but as a vital tool for empowerment and poverty alleviation. "The knowledge gap requires an essential skill set that matches global expectations," he told the conference, adding that the righteous must not only rise after a fall but must also be equipped with the tools to compete on the world stage.
He urged youths to take advantage of free digital resources and "audit" their current capabilities through a digital self-audit and proposed a 90-day personal development plan for attendees, focusing on high-value skills that can be acquired with minimal financial investment. By fostering an environment of continuous learning and technical curiosity.
Adesemoye added that he believes that faith-based organisations can help transform Nigeria's youth from passive consumers of technology into active contributors to the global digital economy.
While calling on the leadership of CCOPEM and other religious institutions to lead the vanguard in this digital intervention, Dr. Adesemoye reiterated that Nigeria's future depends on a collective effort to empower the next generation.
