HOSEC Oratory Contest: Students Debate AI, Future Careers As Stakeholders Push Skills Development At 8th Foundation’s Anniversary
By Seth Omotade
Students from secondary schools across Oyo State gathered in Ibadan for the 5th HOSEC Foundation Oratory Contest, where participants explored the impact of Artificial Intelligence on the future of work.
Held at the American Corner, Jericho, Ibadan, the contest featured speeches on the theme “Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Work: Preparing Students for Tomorrow’s Jobs,” with students highlighting how AI is reshaping education, industries and employment, while stressing the need for digital skills, creativity and adaptability.
The Executive Director, HOSEC Foundation, Mrs. Ibukunoluwa Otesile, said the contest was designed to build communication and critical thinking skills among students.
Otesile urged young people to engage in constructive conversations that can improve society, while calling on parents to remain actively involved in their children’s development.
Mrs. Otesile also appealed to the Oyo State Government to establish functional Sexual Assault Referral Centres across the state and adopt stronger measures to address rising cases of children living on the streets.
“Today is our 8th anniversary and 5th edition, and I’m thankful to God that we are able to do this again this year.
“Communication is a very important skill and everybody must master how to talk constructively. As future leaders, we must get involved in conversations that can improve ourselves, our country and the world.
“One of the ways to achieve this is through Oratory Contests like this, where students learn how to speak research and think critically.
“That is why we are having this conversation today about artificial intelligence” She said.
The Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola, represented by the Local Inspector of Education, Ibadan North-West LGA, Mrs. Gladys Nton, said education must go beyond classroom learning to include leadership, communication and critical thinking skills.
She described oratory as a vital tool for leadership and social development, while commending the foundation for nurturing confidence and creativity among students.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Day, Dr. Toyin Olalemi, urged students to embrace hard work, discipline and education while avoiding internet fraud, cultism and other social vices.
He encouraged them to support their parents, noting that his own upbringing in petty trading shaped his understanding of hard work and perseverance.
“I want to advise us that whatever your parents do, provide support. It goes a long way to develop yourself, to learn the spirit of hard work, to learn that hard work pays, and to learn that the only way to earn legitimate living is by hard work” he said.
He also introduced the “RUMP” formula, Reading, Understanding, Memorising and Practising as a guide for academic success.
The Director of the International Affairs and Cultural Development (IACD), Mrs. Kareemat Ajala, described Artificial Intelligence as the new normal, urging students to develop strong communication skills to remain relevant in a fast-changing world.
She noted that while AI tools such as ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini are transforming jobs and education, communication remains the most important skill that will outlive technology.
She further encouraged originality and clarity in expression.
At the end of the competition, judges announced the winners as follows: Abdulrazaq Godwin (1st position, 752 points); Omitolani Oyinlansola (2nd position, 614 points); Olawuwo Ayomide (3rd position, 614 points); Adegite Israel (4th position, 592 points); and Jegede Mercy (5th position, 579 points).
The event also featured interactive sessions and networking opportunities for participants and guests.
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