According to a news report from Punch, Dr. Abdulkarim Oloyede, the Acting Director of the Center for Research Development and In-house Training at the University of Ilorin, has issued a caution to young people about the perils of Internet addiction.

During his lecture on the topic "The Internet & Generation Z: A Blessing or Curse?" at the 34th graduation and prize-giving day for the 2023/2024 cohort of the University of Ilorin Secondary School, Dr. Oloyede, who is also an Associate Professor of Wireless Telecommunication, advised the graduating students on the responsible use of the Internet.

Speaking at the event, which took place at the institution's mini campus on Tuesday, the former student of the school emphasized the need for moderation in Internet usage, highlighting both the benefits and drawbacks of online connectivity.

Dr. Oloyede pointed out that while the Internet offers access to information, education, and platforms for advocacy and social change, it also presents risks such as information overload, misinformation, cyberbullying, online harassment, privacy concerns, and potential impacts on mental health.

“Your generation is passionate about making the world a better place, and the internet is a powerful tool in your hands,” he said.

The don further urged, “The youth when using the Internet should be critical thinkers, question and verify the credibility of sources and cross-check facts before believing or sharing anything, Protect Your Privacy: Be mindful of the personal information you share online. Use strong passwords, enable privacy settings, and be cautious of phishing scams and suspicious links. Balance Screen Time: Set boundaries for your online activities. Engage in offline hobbies, spend time with loved ones, and enjoy the real world. Use the Internet for good and for positive change. Support causes you believe in, raise awareness, and use your digital presence to spread kindness and empathy.

“Seek Help When Needed: If you ever feel overwhelmed or negatively affected by online experiences, don’t hesitate to seek support from trusted adults, friends, or mental health professionals.

“As you embark on this new chapter of your lives, remember that the internet is a tool – a powerful one that can be wielded for good or ill. It is up to you, the digital natives, to shape the future of our interconnected world. Embrace the opportunities it offers, be mindful of its pitfalls, and use your unique perspective and skills to make a positive impact on the world,” he counselled.

At the event, the school celebrated one of its student, Dasuki Zainab who scored one of the very high points in the 2024 Joint Admissions Matriculation Board Examinations and emerged as the overall best graduating student of the school.

Zainab, the assistant head girl of the school in the 2023/2024 academic session scored 357 marks in the JAMB Examinations and has been offered admission to read Medicine and surgery at the University of Ilorin for the 2024/2025 academic session, according to the Principal of the school, Alhaji T.N. Durojaiye.

The principal, who disclosed that the school has been performing excellently in public examinations, stated that 52 students of the school scored academic distinction in the 2023 WAEC and NECO Examinations, respectively.

He assured the gathering that the school would try to improve on its performance, insisting that, “though there is the need for improvement, we will not rest until our good becomes better while our better becomes best by the special grace of God.”

The principal, while congratulating the students for the successful completion of their course, charged them to continue to be good and disciplined students as they navigate through the larger world.

Oloyede maintained, “As you will now move into the larger world, I charge you not to abandon the virtues of honesty, diligence, respect for elders and constituted authority and above all the fear of God which has been inculcated in you while you were under our watch and care,” he counselled.

199 students graduated from the school in the 2023/2024 academic session, he said.