Former Big Brother Naija housemate Seyi Awolowo has called for a fundamental shift in Nigeria’s educational priorities, arguing that the country’s aspirations should extend beyond what he described as the “Akara and Kulikuli” stage. Speaking on Vanguard’s Nigeria Meter Podcast, Awolowo said Nigeria must embrace innovation, technology and artificial intelligence if it hopes to compete with leading global economies.
Awolowo noted that while businesses such as selling akara and kulikuli remain respectable means of livelihood, the nation’s educational and economic development should have created broader opportunities for young people. According to him, countries like China and the United States are investing heavily in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, while Nigeria continues to grapple with basic survival challenges.
He questioned why the country’s education system has not evolved to encourage more young Nigerians to pursue careers in innovation-driven industries. Awolowo argued that many citizens appear trapped in a cycle of limited opportunities, making it difficult to aspire beyond subsistence-level occupations despite their potential.
The media personality also criticised Nigeria’s political culture, claiming that election campaigns often revolve around food, cash and other material incentives instead of policies that promote education, innovation and long-term economic development. He said the emphasis on “stomach infrastructure” has overshadowed meaningful conversations about preparing young people for the future economy.
Awolowo urged policymakers to invest more in quality education, digital skills and technological advancement, insisting that Nigeria’s future depends on empowering its youth to compete in the global knowledge economy. He maintained that the country’s educational system should inspire young people to become innovators, entrepreneurs and problem-solvers rather than limiting their ambitions to survival alone.
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