By Yvonne Kageha

The university joined the rest of the world to celebrate World Youth Skills Day themed “Youth empowerment through AI and digital skills.” Observed on July 15, every year, this day aims at celebrating the strategic importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, decent work and entrepreneurship. Proclaimed a global observance by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014, the day allows the world to come together to recognize the power of young people as drivers of change and acknowledging the need to equip them with the relevant skills to tackle present challenges and shape a more peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable future.

As technology and digital space continues to advance rapidly many organizations are also incorporating more and more Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital technologies into their operations in order to enhance their services and products. Organizations have realized the need to keep up with these advancements if they want to stay on top of their games. Technological advancements are not only transforming workspaces, but creating a demand for new skill sets.

As young people join the workspace or business ownership world, they need to possess skills that will enable them to handle the technological changes. This means they have to keep learning and relearning as well, so as to unlock their potential as innovators, entrepreneurs, decision makers, and future leaders.

In line with this this year’s theme, the university continues to foster a learning environment that encourages and nurtures digital literacy, creative minds, innovators, and critical thinkers. Through innovative programs, guest lectures, workshops, partnerships with tech companies etc., and with the addition of the Innovation and Incubation Center, students get to explore the digital and AI space, nurture their innovative ideas and transform them into impactful ventures. This way, the university bridges the gap between traditional education and the modern, agility-demanding, world of work by producing graduates that are ready to tackle and lead in the current job market, create jobs, and transform industries.

Equipping youths with the skills to harness the power of AI and digital innovation is a step towards a better future.