"Do Not See AI as Competition, See It as Leverage" — Prof. Afolabi Charges OSPOLY Graduates
By Afeez Ogungbemi
A Professor of Business Administration at Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Yakibi Afolabi, has urged graduating students of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a tool for advancement rather than a threat to their future.
Afolabi gave the charge on Wednesday while delivering a lecture titled “Entrepreneurship in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities for Wealth Creation and National Development” at the ongoing combined 8th convocation ceremony of the institution, held at the Educational Trust Fund (ETF) Hall.
He noted that Artificial Intelligence contributes trillions of dollars annually to the global economy through productivity gains and innovation acceleration, stressing that the technology is not peripheral but structural to the growth of emerging economies such as Nigeria.
According to him, AI represents both a developmental challenge and an unprecedented opportunity for countries to leapfrog stages of industrialisation and reposition entrepreneurship as a driver of wealth creation and national competitiveness.
The professor explained that with a laptop and reliable internet access, graduates can develop AI-powered applications, build automated service platforms, design data-driven marketing systems, and create digital marketplaces.
“Entry barriers are reducing—not because risks have disappeared, but because technology amplifies individual capability,” he said.
Afolabi further stated that entrepreneurship in the AI era goes beyond starting a business, describing it as the strategic use of intelligent systems to boost productivity, improve decision-making, and scale innovation efficiently.
He advised graduates to enrol in AI and data science certification programmes and acquire foundational skills in tools such as Python, SQL, cloud computing, and machine learning frameworks.
Also encouraged them to focus on solving real problems within their communities rather than starting with technology, while urging participation in innovation hubs, tech communities, and startup incubation programmes.
He emphasised the need for adaptability, noting that entrepreneurship in the age of AI transcends profit-making and serves as a development strategy capable of diversifying the economy, improving productivity, and enhancing global competitiveness.
“For the graduating class of OSPOLY Iree, the imperative is clear: cultivate technological competence, entrepreneurial courage, and ethical responsibility,” he said.
Afolabi added that AI-driven entrepreneurship can catalyse inclusive wealth creation, strengthen national resilience, and position Nigeria as a continental leader in innovation.
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