More than 3,000 students from secondary and tertiary institutions are expected to gather at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) on December 10 for the seventh edition of the Bodex Social Media Hangout (BSMH), an initiative aimed at preparing young people for opportunities in the digital economy.
The event, scheduled to hold at the Distance Learning Institute Hall of the university, will feature debates, quiz competitions and digital media masterclasses under the theme, ‘Influence with Purpose: Shaping Africa’s Digital Future.’
Organisers have also announced popular media personality Frank Edoho and Nollywood actor Lateef Adedimeji as masters of ceremony for the event.
According to the organisers, the duo was selected for their knowledge, creativity, confidence and storytelling abilities, which they believe will add value to the gathering and inspire participating students.
A major attraction of this year's edition is the N2.2 million prize pool set aside for student competitions. The overall winner will receive N1 million, while the second and third-place winners will go home with N700,000 and N500,000, respectively.
Beyond the cash rewards, participants will have opportunities to interact with industry professionals and thought leaders through specialised masterclasses designed to expose them to digital skills, emerging trends and career opportunities.
The programme will also feature interactive games, raffle draws and giveaways, while all participants will receive certificates of attendance.
Speaking on the vision behind the initiative, the convener, Bodex Hungbo, said the platform was established to help young people develop their talents, build confidence and explore opportunities beyond conventional classroom education.
“Young people are not just the future of the digital economy; they are already shaping it. At Bodex Social Media Hangout, we are intentional about giving students platforms to learn, compete, express themselves, build confidence and discover opportunities beyond the classroom,” she said.
Over the past six editions, the Bodex Social Media Hangout has brought together students, digital content creators, industry policymakers and media professionals to promote responsible social media engagement, creativity and innovation.
The seventh edition is expected to build on the achievements of previous gatherings by providing young Nigerians with practical knowledge and exposure needed to navigate the rapidly evolving digital space.
With thousands of students expected to attend, the organisers hope the initiative will strengthen the connection between traditional education and the digital economy while encouraging young Africans to become responsible voices and active contributors to the continent's technological and creative future.