Train children not to depend on AI to think, author tells schools

As artificial intelligence continues to transform education and the workplace, author and educator Adejisola Atiba, popularly known as Lady ABHA, has urged schools to train children to think independently and develop the human qualities needed to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world.

In a statement on Monday, Atiba announced the introduction of two leadership development books aimed at equipping young people with the character, judgment, empathy and leadership abilities required to navigate life and society.

The books, titled BEYOND AI THE HUMAN LEADERSHIP EDGE: The Student Edition* and *The Facilitator’s Guide & Curriculum Manual, target students aged 14 to 18, educators, mentors and youth development professionals.

According to the author, the initiative is designed to address concerns that young people may become increasingly proficient in using technology without developing the human qualities required to make responsible decisions and provide leadership.

In the introductory statement accompanying the books, Atiba posed the question: “Are we raising a generation that knows how to use technology but not how to lead without it?”

She argued that although artificial intelligence could answer questions, generate ideas, solve complex problems and transform learning, technological advancement alone could not guarantee the development of responsible individuals.

“Academic excellence matters. Digital literacy is essential. But neither automatically develops integrity, sound judgment, empathy, resilience, or the courage to do what is right,” she stated.

The Student Edition encourages young people to look beyond academic performance and technological competence to consider their personal development, responsibilities and potential contributions to society.

Through guided reflections, practical experiences and purposeful learning, the book explores how character, integrity, critical thinking and responsible decision-making can shape young people’s relationships and future leadership.

It also emphasises that leadership should not be defined solely by age, position or title but by character, responsibility and the ability to make meaningful choices.

The second publication, The Facilitator’s Guide & Curriculum Manual, is designed to support educators, mentors, facilitators and youth development practitioners in teaching the principles introduced in the Student Edition.

The curriculum is built around six Human Leadership Dimensions: Character, Self-Leadership, Human Connection, Human Intelligence, Future Readiness, and Purpose and Impact.

It also incorporates 18 Leadership Experiences, guided reflections, practical applications and a capstone experience to help students translate leadership lessons into everyday decisions and actions.

Atiba said the facilitator’s manual was developed to help educators create learning environments where young people could question assumptions, collaborate, reflect on their values and take responsibility for their decisions.

Describing the relationship between the two publications, she said they shared one purpose: preparing young people not only for the future of work but also for the responsibilities of life, leadership and humanity.

“Great teaching does more than inform the mind. It helps shape the human being,” she said.

She added that as artificial intelligence continued to reshape society, human development should remain an important part of education.

“The future will need more than intelligent machines. It will need people with the wisdom to question, the courage to act, the character to lead, and the compassion to serve,” the author stated.

The two books are part of her broader BEYOND AI THE HUMAN LEADERSHIP EDGE™ initiative, which she describes as a six-book leadership development series focused on strengthening human capabilities in an artificial intelligence-driven world.

Atiba is an author, TEDx speaker, educator, Chartered Director and community leader with more than three decades of experience in banking, leadership and community development.

She holds an Executive Master of Business Administration degree and advocates lifelong learning and leadership development across generations.

The books are available on Amazon.