In a Digital Economy, Only Readers Lead and Learners Earn, Says VC Adedimeji

Nigerians have been urged to adopt continuous reading, studying and lifelong learning as a deliberate lifestyle choice in order to thrive in today’s fast-evolving knowledge economy.

The charge was also extended to embrace innovative and dynamic leadership capable of responding to the realities of the digital age.

The call was made on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, by the Vice Chancellor of the African School of Economics, Prof. Mahfouz Adedimeji, during the institution’s 5th Public Lecture themed “Innovation and Leadership in the Digital Age: Perspectives from Ireland.”

Addressing participants, the Vice Chancellor framed the conversation around the urgent need for intellectual preparedness in a rapidly transforming world.

Delivering his address titled “Readers and Leaders, Learners are Earners,” Prof. Adedimeji outlined defining features of the digital or Information Age, including networks, the Internet of Things, digitisation, misinformation and disinformation, dematerialisation, globalisation, commoditisation of experience, culture change and the rise of the knowledge economy. He explained that unlike the industrial era, value creation today is increasingly driven by intellectual capital rather than manual labour.

He described the knowledge economy as a system where strategies, codes, designs, research and innovation — largely intangible products — form the backbone of productivity. “In a knowledge economy, consumption and production are based on intellectual capital as the system capitalises on discoveries and applied research,” he noted, stressing that nations and individuals who fail to adapt risk being left behind.

“In the digital age of the existing knowledge economy, readers are leaders and learners are earners,” Prof. Adedimeji declared. “If you want to lead, read; and if you want to earn much, learn more. It is those who learn new knowledge and skills that will have the capacity to innovate, solve problems and lead the right way. Leaders innovate to elevate.” He added that innovation and leadership are interdependent, arguing that effective leadership must be dynamic and forward-thinking.

In his lecture, leadership consultant and former Senior Lecturer at the Atlantic Technological University, Paddy Harte, challenged conventional notions of innovation. He stated that innovation does not always mean inventing something entirely new but can involve improving existing ideas and applying them in new contexts. According to him, leadership today is measured by the ability to develop others, sustain impact and create room for experimentation.

Harte emphasised that modern leadership has shifted from rigid instruction to collaboration. “Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact; everything we see is a perspective,” he remarked, urging Nigerians to remain open to diverse viewpoints and create enabling environments where ideas can flourish.

Also speaking, the Irish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Peter Ryan, advised young Nigerians to remain receptive to ideas and constructive counsel. Quoting an Irish proverb, he said, “Your friend’s eye is a good mirror,” underscoring the value of honest feedback and human connection. He added that his experience in Nigeria reinforced the importance of meaningful interaction, noting that a nation’s strength lies not only in knowledge but in its capacity to build relationships.

The event concluded with the presentation of award plaques to Ambassador Ryan and Paddy Harte by the Vice Chancellor, supported by the Registrar, Mrs. Emilomo Ogunboye, alongside goodwill messages from participants — a fitting close to a lecture that placed learning and innovation at the heart of national development.