The 2025 Convocation Ceremony of Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU) witnessed an inspiring charge to graduands as the Guest Speaker, Prof. Adebukola Onashoga, delivered a compelling address on the future of work, digital transformation, and the indispensable role of ICT in every profession.
Addressing an audience of faculty members, proud parents, and newly minted graduates, Prof. Onashoga described the day as “not just the closing of a chapter, but the beginning of a new story each graduand is about to write in the digital world.”
ValidViewNetwork reports that Prof Onashoga highlighted the importance of AI to the various faculties.
In her speech, Prof. Onashoga praised the unique strengths of the Gen-Z cohort, calling them “the most digitally connected generation in history.”
She highlighted their creativity, adaptability, capacity for innovation, and ability to learn without waiting for permission.
“You don’t just consume content,” she said. “You remix it, challenge it, recreate it. You don’t wait for the future — you build it, often from your smartphone.”
The professor emphasized that technology is no longer a niche skill but the “new literacy” for all professions.
Whether in Agriculture, Law, Sciences, Arts, Health, or Management, she noted that digital competence now determines employability, relevance, and global competitiveness.
“Technology is the operating system of the modern world,” she added. “Your degree is your foundation, but your digital skills are the elevator that will take you to levels you cannot yet imagine.”
‘The Future Is Interdisciplinary’ — Bridging Knowledge With Technology
Prof. Onashoga stressed that solving global challenges such as climate change, health crises, and economic instability requires collaboration across fields.
She noted that the most valuable professionals will be the “bridge builders”—individuals able to combine their core discipline with digital tools.
Prof. Onashoga identified five “power skills” graduates must cultivate: Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking, Creativity & Innovation, Collaboration & Digital Communication, Adaptability & Continuous Learning, Digital Literacy & Professional Online Presence
She reminded students that future employers will search for their digital footprints.
“Your online presence is your new CV,” she said. “What story will it tell?”
The address also highlighted how technology enhances each discipline taught at JABU;
College of Agriculture & Natural Sciences, Precision farming, bioinformatics, data-driven decision-making, College of Environmental Sciences, BIM models, VR walkthroughs, GIS for land use, smart property management, College of Health Sciences, Telemedicine, digital lab systems, AI-driven diagnostics, College of Management Sciences, Data analytics, ERP systems, digital marketing, CRM platforms, College of Humanities & Social Sciences, Digital storytelling, audience analytics, political data mapping, College of Law, Cybersecurity, digital evidence management, AI-supported case research, Postgraduate Studies, Advanced data analysis, digital libraries, research software
Across all fields, she stressed a unifying message: ICT does not replace a profession — it amplifies it.
In closing, Prof. Onashoga urged the new graduates to embrace continuous learning and to take charge of their future.
“The world you are entering does not care only about what you know today,” she said.
“It cares about how fast you can learn, how boldly you can adapt, and how creatively you can apply technology to solve human problems.”
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She encouraged each graduand to: Learn one new tech skill this year, Start at least one digital project, Collaborate beyond their discipline, Stay curious and keep building
Prof. Adebukola Onashoga FNCS is a renowned cybersecurity researcher and professor at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, with over two decades of academic experience. She’s a leading member and former council member of the Nigeria Computer Society and has developed innovative projects like the PlantDoctor, a mobile app that diagnoses plant diseases using AI tools.
