Themed “Beyond the Degree: Mastering Tech, Entrepreneurship, Creativity & Wealth Creation,” the summit brought together speakers from digital media, education consultancy, tech entrepreneurship, and supply chain strategy. 

Their collective advice was that it’s no longer enough to graduate, you must evolve.

Let’s start with Joan Aimuengheuwa, assistant editor at Techeconomy, who built her career before her final exams were over. “Success is about learning and doing,” she said. “I started working while I was a student, just like you. I didn’t even want to do some of those things at first, but again, I didn’t let opportunities slide by. That’s how I started.”

She recalled taking on roles that only paid enough for data. No prestige or promise, just persistence. “Back then, I worked with a lecturer who had a company, while also working at another media firm. I was juggling school, internships in the media space, data analysis—everything. You can’t survive in this space without being a good analyst or a good researcher.”

When asked what students need to succeed in the digital media space, her answer was direct: “Discipline. You cannot be a writer, editor, or analyst without patience. Your character is very important because it’s your name that’s at stake here, not just your pay. Again, you need to learn SEO, networking, research, and use AI the right way. AI should look up to you, not the other way around.”

But perhaps the most striking insight came from her early career reflection: “Don’t wait till you’re ready. Don’t be afraid to do badly at first. Don’t be afraid to fail. My first boss was strict. She didn’t insult me, but when I made a mistake, it was like, ‘How can you do this?’ I never told her, but in my head, I was like, ‘I’m learning.’ But I went through it. She taught me. And when I applied for my next job, my new boss said, ‘She came in highly recommended.’ Why? Because of my character.”

Pascal Orisakwe the career strategist and supply chain manager at Beta Glass took over. “Success,” he said, “is not how much money you have in your bank account. It is the ability to create value, to solve problems, and reward follows that.”

He warned students about mistaking noise for navigation. “Some people just want to get out of the house. They don’t think of life after that certificate. That’s one major challenge. You don’t just jump into a career because your friend is doing it.”

Pascal shared a tough truth about adulthood. “Someone once said adulthood is a scam. But it’s only a scam if you’re not prepared. And preparation means skills. It means understanding that the world is already being run by AI, robotics, and the Internet of Things. If you’re not evolving, you’re fading.”

For students willing to further their studies abroad, Janet Amosu, business development manager at BWBS Education Consultants, pitched access to students at STS 3.0. “We do not charge for applications. 100% free service. No payment for application processing, no payment for visa submission, no charges for interviews,” she said.

It sounded too good to be true, so when asked about the success rate, she doubled down: “Yes, 100% success rate. We secure scholarships, up to 50% for academically strong students. If you don’t get a job nine months after graduation, we work with schools that refund 50% of your tuition and use the other 50% to re-enrol you.”

Her advice to those looking to study abroad? Start early. “Many students miss out because they didn’t start on time or weren’t aligned with their financial and academic realities. Stay informed. Trust the process.”

And then there was Elias Roosevelt, founder and CEO of Payable. He added weight to the tech entrepreneurship part of the conversation, stressing that “building viable products in the financial tech space, not just talking about it, is highly important.”

Pascal, when asked if he would change anything in his career, said: “In all honesty, I do not think I would change anything. When you alter your yesterday, your today and tomorrow might not come out the way they should. The journey of life requires intentionality.”

He urged students at the STS 3.0 summit and beyond, not to let emotions drive their decisions. “Discipline means waking up early. It means working late. You have to stay the course, even when it doesn’t pay off immediately.”

In our world, where many are now obsessed with immediate returns, that might be the most radical advice of all.

Beyond a panel, STS 3.0 was a roadmap, because in 2025, you don’t need another degree to succeed. You need audacity, resilience, and the humility to learn from strict bosses and unpaid gigs. You need to build a name before you build a brand.

And if you’re lucky, you’ll realise that the classroom ends at the door, but your future doesn’t.

Our very own reporter, Joan Aimuengheuwa, has emerged as the best graduating student in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at the prestigious University of Lagos.

This remarkable feat not only highlights the individual’s remarkable academic prowess but also showcases the unique intersection of technology and urban planning, emphasizing the importance of tech skills in various disciplines.

Unleashing the Power of Technology in Urban Planning

Urban planning is a field that focuses on designing and shaping cities to create sustainable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing environments for residents.

Traditionally, urban planning primarily involved aspects such as land use, transportation, and infrastructure. However, in recent years, technology has begun to play a crucial role in transforming urban planning processes, making it a field ripe with innovation and new possibilities.

The Intersection of Tech and Urban Planning

Connecting the dots, Joan Aimuengheuwa said, “The rise of smart cities, data analytics, and advanced mapping technologies has revolutionized urban planning, allowing professionals to make informed decisions and develop more efficient and sustainable urban environments.

“By leveraging technology, urban planners can collect and analyze vast amounts of data to gain insights into traffic patterns, energy consumption, population density, and more. This information helps them optimize urban spaces, improve transportation systems, and enhance overall quality of life for residents.

The Achievements of TechEconomy’s Reporter

As a reporter at TechEconomy, Joan Aimuengheuwa, the best graduating student in Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Lagos 2023 has already demonstrated a deep understanding of the transformative power of technology.

Through her work, she has shed light on the impact of technology on urban planning, covering topics such as smart cities, sustainable infrastructure, and digital innovations in transportation.

Additionally, her academic accomplishments further validate her expertise and commitment to the field. Throughout her academic journey, she consistently excelled in her coursework, showcasing a comprehensive understanding of urban planning principles and a strong ability to apply technology-driven solutions to real-world challenges. Her research projects and thesis exemplify her innovative thinking and demonstrate the potential of technology in addressing urban planning issues.

Implications for the Future

The recognition of TechEconomy’s reporter as the best graduating student in Urban and Regional Planning reflects a broader trend where technology is increasingly influencing diverse fields. The integration of technology into various fields not only opens new avenues for research and development but also presents exciting career opportunities for graduates with expertise in both areas.

As cities continue to grow and face complex challenges such as rapid urbanization, climate change, and resource constraints, the need for skilled professionals who can harness the power of technology to address these issues becomes increasingly important. Tech-savvy urban planners can leverage data-driven insights, predictive modeling, and innovative software tools to create sustainable and livable cities of the future.

Conclusion

As we look ahead, it is clear that technology will continue to be a driving force across various fields, revolutionizing the way we design, develop, and manage cities.

The accomplishments of TechEconomy’s reporter serve as a testament to the transformative power of technology and inspire us to explore new frontiers where technology and various disciplines intersect, paving the way for a more sustainable and connected future.

Congratulations, Joan!