Instrumentation and Control Engineer, Caleb Cookeygam, has called on young Nigerians to embrace continuous learning, technology, purposeful leadership and self-development to remain competitive and maximise their potential in an increasingly digital world.
Cookeygam spoke on Trade FM’s Breakfast Business Briefing, where he shared insights from his career spanning education, engineering, technology and leadership.
He said his multidisciplinary career was not the result of a deliberate plan but evolved naturally through his passion for education and solving real-world problems.
According to him, Africa’s greatest asset is its youthful population, making it imperative for young people to discover their purpose, acquire relevant skills and position themselves to seize opportunities.
“Purpose must be discovered, developed and transformed into value that solves real problems,” he said.
Cookeygam stressed that young people should recognise the different stages of personal development, describing the early years of life as a critical period for learning, self-discovery and skill acquisition. However, he noted that learning should not end with formal education, urging professionals to continue learning, unlearning and relearning throughout their careers.
Reflecting on his experience as a former student leader, he said leadership should be driven by service rather than the pursuit of power or popularity. He encouraged young leaders to focus on creating opportunities for others and building initiatives that deliver lasting impact.
On scholarships, fellowships and career advancement, Cookeygam identified value and visibility as essential factors for success. He advised students and young professionals to build competence through academic excellence or problem-solving while also making their work visible through professional networking and digital platforms.
He further urged young people not to disqualify themselves from opportunities because of self-doubt.
“You don’t always have to be the best. Sometimes, the people who succeed are simply those who showed up,” he said.
Speaking on the future of work, Cookeygam said artificial intelligence and digital technology are reshaping industries, making digital literacy a necessity regardless of profession. He added that while AI will continue to transform workplaces, human skills such as critical thinking, creativity and communication will remain indispensable.
The engineer also highlighted technology and automation as key drivers of Nigeria’s industrial growth, saying innovation presents significant opportunities to address challenges in sectors including education, healthcare, infrastructure and energy.
He described the migration of skilled Nigerians abroad as an opportunity for technology transfer and investment, expressing optimism that many professionals in the diaspora would eventually contribute to national development through knowledge sharing and entrepreneurship.
Addressing the challenges facing graduates transitioning into the workforce, Cookeygam identified lack of career clarity and limited access to opportunities as major obstacles. He advised young people to focus on understanding their strengths, seek mentorship, volunteer and serve in order to expand their networks and access career opportunities.
He concluded by emphasising that continuous learning, professional upskilling and the practical application of knowledge are essential for staying relevant in today’s fast-changing economy.
