Paris, France — Nigerian digital storyteller and tech advocate, Ayeni Dorcas, widely known as Misstechy, has emphasized that while Artificial Intelligence (AI) holds immense potential to drive innovation, it must never be viewed as a substitute for human creativity.
Speaking at the UNESCO-UNEVOC Global Forum held in Paris, themed “Youth Empowerment through AI and Digital Skills,” Misstechy addressed the growing influence of AI in digital content creation and the challenges it poses to authenticity online.
During a panel discussion titled “AI in TVET – A Tool for Empowerment or a Threat to Human Potential?”, she raised concerns about the proliferation of AI-generated content and the difficulty in distinguishing between genuine and manipulated materials, particularly on social media platforms.
“AI might help bring ideas to life, but it can never replace the human soul behind true creativity. It’s here to support us, not to take our place. The vision and spark will always come from us,” she said, calling on young people to embrace critical thinking and rigorous fact-checking as tools for navigating the digital age.
She urged the youth to build what she described as “mental filters” to counter the flood of algorithm-driven content, stressing the need for digital literacy in the age of deepfakes and misinformation.
In a subsequent session titled “Policy and Practice – Skills Demand, Trends, and Institutional Readiness,” Misstechy shared compelling stories of young Africans who are actively engaging with and benefiting from the continent’s growing digital ecosystem.
Drawing from her own journey into the world of AI, she admitted that the learning curve was initially steep and frustrating, but credited her breakthrough to a “learn-by-doing” approach and the support of online communities.
“Collaboration was key,” she noted, emphasizing the role of peer networks in helping her overcome challenges and encouraging others to embrace similar learning paths.
Addressing the preferences of Gen Z learners, Misstechy identified platforms like TikTok as emerging “modern classrooms,” where young people gravitate toward concise, relatable content. “When you break down complex topics into small, digestible pieces, learning becomes something they look forward to — not something they avoid,” she added.
New data presented at the forum revealed that only 34% of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions globally are currently equipped to deploy advanced AI tools. Meanwhile, 78% of educators report feeling unprepared to integrate AI into their teaching practices.
Despite these gaps, a youth-led survey spanning 128 countries found that thousands of young people are already leveraging AI for practical projects, highlighting a growing interest and adaptability among the younger generation.
Also present at the high-level forum were representatives from UNESCO, WorldSkills, and officials from the German and French governments. Misstechy’s grassroots perspective and lived experience as a digital advocate offered a unique and impactful contribution to the global discourse.
Her participation underscored the importance of inclusive policies and youth-centered strategies in preparing institutions — and societies — for the evolving AI landscape.
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