Students in Lagos are being equipped with practical survival skills for the digital age as the state government intensifies efforts to build a generation capable of navigating online spaces safely, responsibly and confidently.
This renewed focus took centre stage during a digital resilience sensitisation programme organised by the Lagos Ministry of Youth and Social Development for students in Education District II. The one day engagement, hosted at Oriwu Senior Model College, exposed participants to real world online risks and strategies for protecting their digital identity.
Addressing the students, Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Abubakre Ogunlende, stressed that Lagos’ ambition to remain a leading smart city must go hand in hand with raising digitally responsible young citizens. According to him, technology itself is neutral, but its impact depends largely on how it is used, warning that ignorance continues to leave many young users vulnerable to cyber threats.
Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Toyin Oke-osanyintolu, described digital resilience as a social and economic necessity. She noted that unsafe online environments can undermine youth development, limit inclusion and weaken confidence, insisting that safeguarding young people in digital spaces is critical to the state’s long term aspirations.
Facilitators at the programme guided students through interactive sessions on recognising online dangers, securing personal information, reporting cyberbullying and building emotional resilience against digital pressure. The initiative, officials say, is designed to move beyond awareness by giving young participants practical tools to engage the internet with caution and confidence.
With young Nigerians increasingly connected, the Lagos government believes early education on ethical digital behaviour could shape safer online communities and prepare students to become responsible digital citizens in an evolving tech driven society.
