The Chief Executive Officer of Blink Tech Solutions, Blessing Winifred, has emphasised the importance of early digital exposure for students, especially in schools which are often left out of high-tech programmes.
She gave the charge at a cybersecurity and tech awareness workshop at Guzmovic College Ijanikin, Lagos state. The forum, entitled: “Cybersecurity careers: how to become a cyber-hero in the age of Artificial Intelligence,” attracted students, educators, tech professionals and featured expert-led sessions on digital safety, ethical hacking, and career paths in cybersecurity.
The workshop provided opportunity for students to learn about key topics in the cyber landscape, preparing them for a world that is increasingly connected and where personal security is essential.
Winifred urged the students to pursue online resources, mentorship, and self-paced learning to begin their journey in cybersecurity. She also disclosed plans to replicate the workshop model across other schools and regions, making cybersecurity knowledge accessible to all students regardless of their background.
“We are raising cyber heroes, not just users of technology, but protectors, thinkers, and creators. Every student has the potential to lead in the age of AI. They just need the right guidance and opportunity. Our firm aims to bridge the digital divide by ensuring that students from underserved communities have access to cutting-edge technology and resources. By fostering a culture of innovation and inclusion, we are poised to shapee a future where every student can thrive in the digital economy,” she said.
The workshop highlighted the need for Nigerian secondary schools to incorporate cybersecurity awareness and digital skills training into their curriculums to provide young learners with the tools they need to stay safe, think critically, and prepare for careers in the digital age. Director of Guzmovic College, Mr. Ajayi Oluwagbenga, whose school emerged as winner of future cyber heroes, lauded Blink Tech Solutions for its commitment to youth empowerment through technology.
Oluwagbenga said: “This is a landmark event for our school. We are proud to collaborate with Blink Tech Solutions to give our students firsthand exposure to real-world digital skills. The future belongs to those who are tech-ready, and this event has planted that seed.”
On his part, the school’s principal, Mr. Ayoade Joseph, expressing deep appreciation for the initiative and its relevance to educational development, adding that the workshop was an eye- opening for both students and staff enabling them to understand that cybersecurity isn’t just a foreign concept, but a field they can explore, build, and lead in.
Addressing the students, an Information Technology (IT) expert, Paulinus Okodugha, explained that the future of cybersecurity starts with understanding the basics of technology whether in learning how a network works or how data flows across systems, stressing that it’s this foundation that makes you strong.
Okodugha stressed that building a career in cybersecurity does not require perfectionism, but curiosity and consistency
Contributing, an application security specialist, Bolaji Farinloye, “Every app you use, from social media to games, could be a target. But behind every secure app is a team of professionals thinking ahead. That could be you one day.”
Farinloye introduce the students to the concept of secure coding and highlighted how developers must not only build apps but also protect users.
Cybersecurity Expert, Tedbree Limited, Ifeanyi Kwentoa, said: “Ethical hacking is not about breaking the rules. It’s about protecting systems by thinking like an attacker—legally and ethically. Cyber heroes don’t destroy — they defend.”
He harped on how young minds can learn to “hack for good” and build skills that are in global demand.
On her part, a Data and Business Analyst, Raheema Adetunji, explained that: “Data tells the story of every cyber-attack and every defence. If you can understand data, you can prevent threats before they happen.”
She encouraged students, especially girls, to explore the data-driven side of technology, emphasising the power of critical thinking.
A Security Operations Center Analyst, Oladesanmi Arigbede, encourage the students to take a glimpse into the high-stakes world of real-time cyber defense and highlighted the need for vigilance, teamwork, and rapid response in cybersecurity careers.
Earlier, Ifeoma Naomi of Blink Tech Solutions said the workshop is part of a broader mission to bring cybersecurity education to the grassroots, build the next generation of cyber defenders who are not only tech-savvy but also ethically grounded.
