MTN Trains Lagos Students on Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence

As part of its 2025 Y’ello Connect initiative, telecommunications giant MTN Nigeria has taken a commendable step towards promoting ethical digital practices among students. The company recently trained students at St. Augustine College of Education, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos, on how to use artificial intelligence (AI) ethically and productively. 

The training, held on the school premises, was part of MTN’s corporate social responsibility efforts and was facilitated by MTN staff. It aimed to deepen the students’ understanding of digital technologies and their responsible application in education and everyday life. 

“Back to Basics” – Driving Digital Literacy 

Speaking at the event, MTN’s Chief Marketing Officer, Mrs Onyinye Ikenya-Emeka, said this year’s Y’ello Connect theme, “Connecting at the Roots,” focuses on revisiting digital basics. 

    “We’re going back to the basics from a digital literacy perspective. We are educating young people about the ethical and meaningful use of new technologies like AI and machine learning,” she explained. 

She cautioned against misuse, such as plagiarism, and encouraged students to use AI tools to expand knowledge, develop critical thinking, and add meaningful value to their academic work. 

Insights from Tech Industry Experts 

Students also received practical insights from key figures in the tech industry. 

Mrs Ugochi Agoreyo, Strategic Partner Development Manager at Google Search, advised students to stop using AI to do their assignments and instead use it to enhance their learning. 

    “AI helps you optimise the way you learn. We need to get you to the point where you use AI ethically and beneficially,” she said. 

Similarly, Ayobamidele Oke, a Solution Architect with Huawei, taught students how to craft effective prompts, stressing the importance of clearly defining tasks when interacting with AI tools. 

MTN Donates Digital Tools to Support Learning 

To support learning and digital inclusion, MTN donated valuable tech equipment to the school, including: 

    10 desktops and monitors 

    10 Mifis 

    2 laptops 

    1 5G router 

    1 projector and screen 

Rev. Fr. (Dr) Vincent Olofinkua, Provost of St. Augustine College, praised MTN’s efforts: 

    “By equipping our students with insights into this transformative technology, MTN is investing not just in infrastructure but in the minds of our youth—sharpening skills, sparking curiosity, and expanding horizons.” 

“By empowering students with ethical knowledge of AI, we’re not just teaching them how to use technology—we’re preparing them to lead in a digital future,” — Onyinye Ikenya-Emeka, Chief Marketing Officer, MTN Nigeria 

How Nigerians Can Benefit 

    Students: Gain awareness of how to use AI tools for research, idea generation, and learning—not for shortcuts. 

    Teachers: Learn how to integrate AI into their teaching to personalize learning and monitor progress. 

    Parents: Encourage ethical tech use at home and guide their children towards proper digital behavior. 

    Youth and Entrepreneurs: Attend similar workshops or search for online AI literacy resources to stay updated. 

MTN’s initiative goes beyond tech donation; it’s about equipping young Nigerians with the knowledge to thrive in a digital world. By promoting ethical AI use, MTN is preparing a new generation to innovate, create, and lead responsibly.