An Abia based industrialist, Ide John Udeagbala has identified ‘digital skills gap’ as a fundamental challenge that must be addressed in the current Ai saturated generation.
Udeagbala made the assertion while delivering the 22nd Convocation lecture of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic Aba on the topic, “Leveraging on Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technologies for Trade and Sustainable Industrial Development in Nigeria”.
He urged fresh graduates and the young people generally to address the existing digital skills gap to become employable without stress.
The challenge for the graduates is to scale these innovations into the vast ecosystem of small and medium enterprises that power Aba’s industrial landscape,” he said.
“You can stay in your room and work. Please acquire these skills. This is why your amiable Rector has brought this topic for us to talk about.”
Udeagbala who said that trade remains the lifeblood of industrial sustainability, said that the inefficiencies within the logistics and trade ecosystem must be eliminated “for Nigeria’s goods to thrive in international markets.”
“The global shift towards internet-based commerce has enabled faster market access and more efficient transactions.
“Use AI and digital technologies to modernize the supply chains, production processes, and trade mechanisms of this great city.”
The Convocation lecturer appreciated Governor Alex Otti the recent launch of the DUCT project in Aba, aimed at providing network connectivity for the people.
He challenged the graduands to put Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic on the world map of development.
In his speech, the Rector Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Dr Christopher Okoro, said the lecture topic is apt as it is coming in a period the state has a Governor, who is intentional about development of trade, through the use of AI and other available technologies.
“Of course, you are aware, just about two months ago, His Excellency inaugurated a board of skill acquisition in the United States. So, trying to draw a line from that,
“That is why we set a topic that moves in line with His Excellency’s agenda for the advancement of business-based technology or business in the state.
“And then getting to hear from a man who is so practical and passionate about this field, I think is a good one for us.
The Rector noted that such a gathering was an opportunity to appreciate Governor Otti’s achievements in the institution having transformed the institution from ruins of the past, an enviable reputation.
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