The Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Comrade Wele ThankGod Chimenem, has called on Nigerian youths to take the lead in securing the nation’s digital future through innovation, responsibility, and cyber awareness.
Speaking at a cybersecurity summit held at the University of Abuja, and hosted by the Office of the NANS FCT Chairman, Comrade ThankGod urged students to embrace technology not only as users but as protectors and innovators.
Delivering a paper titled “Securing Nigeria’s Digital Future: Youth Innovation and National Cyber Resilience,” the student leader said the future of the country’s technology space lies in the minds and creativity of its young people.
“In an age where technology powers every aspect of our lives from education and governance to business and securityour ability to innovate, protect, and sustain our digital systems has become a matter of national importance,” he said.
He noted that Nigeria’s rapid rise as one of Africa’s leading digital economies brings both opportunity and risk, warning that cyberattacks, online fraud, and misinformation could undermine the nation’s progress if not addressed proactively.
“As our dependence on technology grows, so do the threats cyberattacks, data breaches, online fraud, misinformation, and digital insecurity. These challenges not only affect individuals but also threaten our economy, governance, and national identity,” he stated.
He also emphasised that securing Nigeria’s digital space goes beyond installing firewalls or developing codes. Instead, he said, it involves safeguarding “the dreams, creativity, and innovation of a new generation the Nigerian youth.”
“Our youth are not just the users of technology; we are its architects,” he declared. “From the young developers building AI solutions in Abuja to the digital entrepreneurs in Lagos and the cybersecurity enthusiasts in Kano, Nigerian youth are redefining what’s possible.”
Highlighting the importance of preparedness, Comrade ThankGod explained that national cyber resilience requires collaboration among government, academia, the private sector, and citizens.
He outlined four key areas for national focus: strengthening digital infrastructure, enforcing cybersecurity laws, supporting research and innovation, and building a culture of digital responsibility among youths.
“Every young Nigerian should see themselves as a digital guardian, protecting not just their personal data but the collective integrity of our digital space,” he said.
The NANS FCT Chairman further urged the Federal Government and educational institutions to integrate cybersecurity studies into school curricula, promote mentorship programmes, and support youth-led tech entrepreneurship.
“Innovation is our currency, and ideas are our power. But to truly harness that power, we must combine creativity with responsibility,” he said. “We must not only create apps we must also protect systems. We must not only innovate we must secure.”
Comrade Wele further reminded students that change begins with their collective action, urging them to move from agonising to organising for a better digital Nigeria.
“The future of Nigeria’s digital space is not in the hands of machines—it is in the minds of her youth,” he said. “We must rise beyond being mere consumers of technology to becoming its protectors, innovators, and transformers.”
He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to youth empowerment and national progress.
“Together, we can secure Nigeria’s digital destiny one innovation, one idea, and one responsible action at a time,” he said. “The youths are not only the leaders of tomorrow but partners of today.”
