Stakeholders in education and youth development have urged Nigerian teenagers to use technology more intentionally to drive innovation, national development, and social impact.

They gave the charge on Saturday at the 30th Annual Teenage Festival of Life (TFL), organised by Action Health Incorporated (AHI) at the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

This year’s festival was held in partnership with the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture (LSCAC) and the Lagos State Ministry of Education.

The event, which brought together students from public secondary schools across Lagos, has the theme “Young People Leveraging Technology for Social Good.”

Adenike Esiet, executive director of AHI, emphasised that young people must be alert to the transformative power of technology, noting that digital tools could address pressing challenges such as hunger, poverty, and limited access to healthcare.

“Technology goes beyond TikTok. It supports online learning, enables access to digital health information, and facilitates innovative solutions across sectors. Technology is an enabler,” Ms Esiet said.

Similarly, Funso Bukoye, programme manager at AHI, said that by promoting intentional tech use for social good, the festival empowers a digitally savvy generation to drive sustainable development across sectors.

“To sustain this impact and achieve Nigeria’s ambitious digital literacy target of 95 per cent by 2030, AHI calls for ongoing support from government, educators, and stakeholders.

“This is to expand digital literacy programmes, bridge the digital divide, and engage young people to develop solutions across Nigeria,” Ms Bukoye said.

Christiana Dasaolu, assistant director, Basic Education Services (BES), Lagos State Ministry of Education, said youths must stay curious and develop a balanced approach to maximise the benefits of technological opportunities.

Ms Dasaolu commended the efforts of the state government in improving digital access in schools, adding that Nigeria should achieve full computer-based testing by 2030 if current progress continues.

“When youths are curious, they look for problems to solve. The government has been trying, especially in Lagos, where computers are now being introduced even in primary schools,” she said.

Yinka Oladipo, Lagos State Director of the Agency for Mass Education, emphasised the role of technology in enhancing students’ academic performance and access to information.

She, however, cautioned that young people need proper guidance to avoid the negative influences associated with digital platforms.

“Parents should monitor and guide what their children access online. Technology is valuable, but without supervision it can expose young people to harmful content,” she said.

Learning strategist Adewunmi Adeyemo encouraged teenagers to use technology creatively, noting that simple digital tools can drive meaningful community impact.

He said, “With just a mobile phone, a young person can build a blog documenting how organisations use technology to solve problems.”

A student participant, Etoa Anthony, said technology has made schoolwork easier through access to information and digital learning resources, despite concerns from some parents over prolonged usage.

The festival featured drama, music, and poetry performances from schools, including St. Luke’s Grammar School, Bariga; St. Francis Junior Grammar School, Iwaya; St. Luke’s Junior Grammar School, Bariga; and Oke-Odo Senior High School, Alimosho, among others.

(NAN)