A diverse audience comprising industry experts, students, faculty and technology enthusiasts gathered in Lagos recently for the launch of the Tech Awareness Fest 1.0, an event organised by the Prime Innovation Institute of Technology (PIIT).

The festival, which focused on the future of emerging technologies, was themed “Unlocking Innovation, Inspiring Tomorrow” and served as a platform to inspire and empower Nigerian youth.

The chairman of PIIT, Joe Ebinum, explained that the Tech Awareness Fest would become a yearly event aimed at fostering technology awareness across the country. “This is a new concept, and it is intended to become an annual initiative to make ICT awareness central to Nigeria’s future,” he stated.

“Our goal is to assist in mentoring young people, helping them to realise their potential through technology.” He also noted that while the government is making strides in the tech sector, organisations like PIIT must collaborate with the government to fully realise the potential of Nigeria’s youth.

Ebinum emphasised that technology is a broad field that touches nearly every profession. “What we are doing is creating a comprehensive space for individuals to pursue their ambitions, regardless of their discipline. We focus on areas such as software engineering, networking, programming, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and robotics,” he added.

 He urged the youth not to be intimidated by the challenges of the digital age, reminding them that mentorship and guidance are available to help them succeed.

A tech sales expert at Beyond Strides Ltd, Kobi Agwu, highlighted the vast opportunities within the booming tech industry. He pointed out that the global tech market is projected to reach N5 trillion this year, opening up immense opportunities for skilled youth.  “There is a huge demand for tech professionals in cloud computing, machine learning, software engineering, and app development, all driven by emerging technologies like AI.”   

Agwu said. “These are areas where the youth can excel, and the skills they acquire will be globally recognised, ensuring their relevance in any part of the world.”

Business and Leadership Coach at BigGod International, Daniel Adeniyi, echoed this sentiment, stressing that technology is now an essential skill for everyone, regardless of age. “For Nigerian youth, artificial intelligence is an area that they must master. In the coming years, AI will play a crucial role in every aspect of work and life,” Adeniyi stated.

Executive Director of PIIT, Kate Ebinum, also addressed the gathering, emphasising the importance of technology in today’s world. “We live in an era where technology is no longer a luxury but a necessity,” she said. “It impacts every sector, from education and business to healthcare and entertainment. Whether you’re an entrepreneur leveraging digital tools or a student exploring AI, technology is shaping our future.”