Faith-based organisations urged to bridge Nigeria’s digital divide with tech hubs

Faith-based organisations across Nigeria have been challenged to transcend traditional spiritual roles by investing in digital technology hubs to equip Nigeria’s burgeoning youth with globally competitive skills. This call to action was the focal point of a presentation by Dr Steven Anu’ Adesemoye at the 31st Annual National Youth Retreat of C.A.C, Christ City of Peace Evangelical Ministry (CCOPEM) held in Lagos on Friday, 3rd April 2026.

At the retreat tagged “The New Beginning”, Dr Adesemoye, a senior lecturer and Team Lead, Digital & Creative Enterprise at the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, posited 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, Dr 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.

According to the scholar, 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,” Dr Adesemoye asserted during his presentation, titled RESTART: Your New Beginning in the Digital Age.

He 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.

The presentation 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, Dr Adesemoye revealed that while 88 per cent of employers prioritise data analysis, only 12 per cent of graduates meet this requirement.

“The job is there; the skill is not,” he remarked, emphasizing that religious bodies are uniquely positioned to bridge this chasm. He 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 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.

The academic encouraged the youths to take advantage of free digital resources and “audit” their current capabilities through a digital self-audit. He 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, Dr Adesemoye believes that faith-based organisations can help transform Nigeria’s youth from passive consumers of technology into active contributors to the global digital economy.

In his concluding remarks, Dr Adesemoye reiterated that Nigeria’s future depends on a collective effort to empower the next generation. He called on the leadership of CCOPEM and other religious institutions to lead the vanguard in this digital intervention.

Rtn. Victor Ojelabi

Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator and a recipient of the D9112 Superstar Icon Award, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.