Oluwadamilola Johnson Adesoro was a student participant at the 43rd COBIS Annual Conference from COBIS Member School Start-Rite School, Abuja. Here is what he had to say about his experience at the conference...

When I learned that I had been selected as one of just eight students from across the world to speak at the 43rd COBIS Annual Conference in London, I was beyond excited. As a Year 9 student of Start-Rite Schools in Abuja, Nigeria, this was not just an opportunity to travel or speak. It was a responsibility. A responsibility to represent the voices of young people who believe that change is not only possible but necessary.

The conference theme, Passion with Purpose: Extending International Education, challenged us to explore how education can be a force for good in a rapidly changing world. Before delivering my talk, I had the privilege of participating in a panel discussion where, among other things, I shared how Start-Rite Schools’ mentor-mentee programme has played a vital role in shaping student well-being, character, and growth. These sessions do more than promote safety and support. They help students unlock their potential and aspire to become the best versions of themselves.

My talk, titled Click, Courage, Change, was inspired by two profound questions:

• How can students be transformative change makers?
• How can we use technology and social media to build a more ethical society?

The questions posed at the 43rd COBIS Annual Conference struck a deep personal chord with me, not just as a student and speaker, but as a UNICEF Nigeria Young Influencer committed to building safer, more inclusive communities for young people. One question in particular became the centerpiece of my talk:

“Will you scroll past problems or will you click on change?”

That question is more than a metaphor. It is a call to reclaim the power of digital engagement. Too often, we become overwhelmed by notifications, distracted by endless content, or caught in the race for likes, shares, and affirmation. But social media does not have to be a distraction. It can be a direction.

To click is not just to open a tab or follow a link. It is a conscious decision to stop, engage, and respond to what is happening around us. Inequality, injustice, and misinformation are real. They deserve more than a passive glance. But clicking alone is not enough. It must be followed by courage: the boldness to ask tough questions, to stand up for truth, to challenge what needs to change, and to do it with integrity. When clicking meets courage, that is when change becomes possible.

We must begin to see technology and social media as tools, not toys. As instruments for positive transformation. They are powerful platforms for raising awareness, amplifying underrepresented voices, and spotlighting solutions. But they must be used responsibly. That means advocating passionately and respectfully, suggesting improvements thoughtfully, and remaining consistent in our values. This is what it means to engage and live purposefully.

In my talk, I encouraged both my peers and the adults in the room to see young people not as digital bystanders but as co-creators of ethical online spaces and compassionate real-world communities. Because if we are going to tackle the biggest challenges of our time, for example, climate change, disinformation, inequality, and cyberbullying, we need young voices not only at the table but leading the conversation.

Reflecting on my time at the COBIS Conference, I recall the amazing presentations that inspired me. One that stood out was by Estelle Baroung Hughes. Her message reminded me that global change begins with local conversations. As an active, responsible global citizen, I now understand more deeply the importance of beginning change within my immediate environment and scaling it outward.

Meeting fellow student leaders like Morenike, Alejandro, and others, I saw how our diverse backgrounds are enriched by a shared belief in the power of youth. Our differences became our strength, and our dialogue gave birth to a sense of solidarity that transcended borders. Their ideas and stories reminded me that while we may come from different places, we are united by a common desire to make education better. From them, I learned that student-led feedback mechanisms give learners a voice in shaping school policies and culture. I have since recommended this to my school, because when students are empowered to speak, schools are empowered to grow.

Equally inspiring were the interactions I had with highly respected educational leaders and changemakers, including but not limited to: Jim Knight, The Right Honorable Lord Knight of Weymouth, Colin Bell, Dr. Fiona Rogers, Alisa Delin, Margaret Garrard, Kristy Smith, Fiona Cottam, Natasha Hilton, Matthew Kavanagh, Dawn Waugh (Founder of Junior Duke), as well as Calvin Eden and Oba Akinwale from Global Edge. Besides their warm reception, encouragement, and support, they helped build my confidence. I was reminded that true leadership is defined not by title or authority, but by impact. They also taught me that the right action starts when we take our passions and align them with purpose. Without a doubt, engaging with all the amazing individuals at the COBIS Conference remains one of my best experiences so far.

Since returning to Nigeria, I have reflected on how much this experience has broadened my perspective. I am even more committed to helping young people use their voices wisely and powerfully—online and offline. I am also more convinced than ever that schools must intentionally embed platforms for student voice, through mentorship, digital literacy, ethical AI discussions, and feedback structures that invite students into the conversation.

I remain deeply grateful to Start-Rite Schools, Abuja, for being the foundation of my growth since 2014. To the Chairman of Start-Rite Schools, Distinguished Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba OFR, CON, SAN, the management, led by Principal, Mr. Femi Akinlade, and my mentor, coach and chaperone, Mr. Daniel Chukwuemeka, thank you so much for your support and encouragement.

A big thank you to COBIS, not just for the platform, but for the belief that young people matter now. Because when students are seen, heard, and equipped, they do not just participate. They lead. COBIS continues to show that young people are not only the future. They are part of the solution today.

So, to every student who has ever felt too small, too young, or too unsure to make a difference:
You do not need a perfect plan to begin. Do not underestimate your voice. Do not wait for permission to lead. When you see a problem, rather than scroll past it, inspire a call to action. Choose, with courage, a change for the betterment of your society and the world at large.