Speakers at the 2026 Junior Chamber International Aso Secondary School Debate have urged Nigerian youths to embrace artificial intelligence responsibly, stressing that integrity, ethical conduct and resilience will determine whether the technology becomes a force for national development or a tool for abuse.
The event, held in Abuja on Thursday, brought together students from 13 secondary schools to debate the theme, “Balancing the Benefits and Risks of Artificial Intelligence.”
Speaking at the event, the 2026 President of JCI Aso, Peter Emanuel Yilbiem, encouraged students to see AI as an opportunity rather than a threat, urging them to position themselves to shape its future.
“My advice for students generally is to embrace AI, leverage its great qualities and advantages, and be part of shaping the future of AI and what we do with it,” he said.
Yilbeim noted that JCI Aso organised the debate to expose young people to the opportunities and challenges associated with emerging technologies.
According to him, AI should not be viewed as a tool that would replace humans but as one capable of transforming businesses and improving everyday life if deployed responsibly.
“We targeted secondary school students because we believe they will shape the future of AI, manage its risks and maximise its enormous potential,” he added.
Chairperson of the 2026 JCI Aso Secondary School Debate Committee, Olusola Alexander, said young people must be encouraged to express their ideas because they could provide solutions to Nigeria’s future challenges.
She told the students that AI had already become part of everyday life, assisting education, healthcare and businesses, while also creating concerns over privacy, misinformation and ethics.
“The challenge for your generation is not whether AI will change the world; it already is. The real question is whether you will lead that change with wisdom, integrity and compassion,” she said.
Alexander urged participants to remain confident during debates, listen to opposing views and respect differing opinions, describing those qualities as essential ingredients of leadership.
She also advised Nigerian youths to remain resilient despite prevailing economic challenges, stressing that they must become the change they desire.
Director of Public Enlightenment and Education Department and spokesperson, Mr Demola Bakare, warned students against using artificial intelligence for criminal activities, fraud and corruption.
He said while AI and other emerging technologies had become part of modern society, they should never be used to undermine humanity.
“We need young people to reject corruption in its entirety. We need them to reject the criminal and fraudulent use of artificial intelligence and report every form of abuse,” he said.
Delivering the keynote address, Acting Head of Department at McGregor Lawrence University, Abuja, Vivian Chiwen Nnamdi, urged Nigerians to embrace AI for the benefit of humanity.
She cautioned against using the technology to spread fake information, create panic or inflict harm on others.
“AI is here to stay. People should engage with artificial intelligence ethically and continue to improve themselves as the technology advances,” she said.
Federal Government Boys College emerged overall winner of the debate competition.
Speaking after receiving the award, Nicholas Lawrence of the school described the competition as memorable and urged students to remain determined in pursuing excellence.
“Everybody is a winner, but it is the effort you put into it that matters. Put more effort into life and remain determined,” he said.
Esther Amarachi, who won the Best Speaker Award, described the debate as enlightening, saying it had deepened her understanding of the benefits and risks of artificial intelligence.
She appealed to organisers to sustain the competition to ensure more students learn how to use AI responsibly.
“The future is AI and technology. Students should equip themselves with the knowledge and skills to use it responsibly,” she said.