Discussions about artificial intelligence in education often focus on large projects and corporate tools. In Oyo State, activity in secondary school classrooms shows another path. It centres on access, skills and guidance for students at an early stage.
Olusegun Salako, Chief Technology Officer and technology founder, has led this effort through JoyLabs, which provides free ICT training and mentorship to secondary school students. The sessions cover programming, problem solving and exposure to emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence. Students work with tools, ask questions and present solutions to real problems.
Salako holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science from Coventry University. His career spans digital systems across sectors. In recent years, he has devoted time to outreach in schools, linking classroom learning with industry practice.
The work drew attention at the AI in Education Conference in Ibadan, where the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools in Oyo State presented him with an Award of Recognition and Excellence. The citation referenced teaching software skills, mentoring students and supporting digital capacity building in schools.
Speaking at the event, Salako addressed how AI should enter learning spaces. “Artificial intelligence should not be introduced as a shortcut or as a replacement for teachers,” he said. “It should be introduced as a tool to strengthen understanding. If we equip students and teachers properly, AI becomes an enabler of critical thinking, not a replacement for it.”
Beyond education initiatives, Salako has led product development in several ventures. He co-founded a real estate platform used in estates in Lagos and led development of the Oyo State Transport and Ticketing App in 2021. The system introduced digital ticketing and monitoring processes and was reported by ThisDayLive.
Through Radiitech, he has overseen enterprise platforms, including Radiimed, a digital health management system. He is also a co-founder of Plotfinder in Botswana and LoomAgency AI.
Educators at the conference said access to skills can shape future careers and expand opportunity. Students who joined the sessions spoke about building code, testing ideas and gaining confidence to solve problems.
As schools continue to adopt digital tools, initiatives led by technologists working with teachers point to a model where systems and learning grow together.
