By Ayomide Otitoju
As part of its 2025 Y’ello Connect initiative, telecommunications giant MTN Nigeria has trained students of St. Augustine College of Education, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos, on the ethical and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The training, which took place on the school premises, was facilitated by MTN staff as part of the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme focused on digital literacy and inclusive education.
MTN’s Chief Marketing Officer, Mrs. Onyinye Ikenya-Emeka, said the initiative aimed to empower students with the knowledge to use AI productively and ethically in an increasingly digital world.
“This year, our focus is on connecting at the roots—going back to the basics of digital literacy,” she explained. “We’re educating communities, including schools and markets, to ensure that emerging technologies like AI are used meaningfully.”
Ikenya-Emeka noted growing concerns over academic plagiarism aided by AI tools, cautioning students to use such technologies to enhance learning rather than replace independent thinking. “AI should be a tool to drive value, not a shortcut. The right understanding prepares students for the future,” she said.
Also speaking at the event, Mrs. Ugochi Agoreyo, Strategic Partner Development Manager for Google Search, encouraged students to embrace AI to customize their learning experiences. “AI optimizes learning pathways. What matters is using it ethically and beneficially,” she stressed.
Mr. Ayobamidele Oke, a Solution Architect at Huawei, conducted a session on effective AI prompting, advising students to assign specific roles and detailed instructions when using AI tools for better outcomes.
Provost of the College, Rev. Fr. (Dr) Vincent Olofinkua, hailed the initiative as a major contribution to bridging the digital divide. “MTN is investing in minds, not just infrastructure. This gesture enhances skills and expands horizons,” he said.
MTN also donated digital learning tools including two laptops, 10 desktops with monitors, a 5G router, 10 MiFi devices, a projector, and a screen to the college.
The Y’ello Connect initiative has been running across MTN’s 19 operating countries for 18 years, reinforcing the company’s commitment to education and digital inclusion.
