AI adoption won’t lead to job losses, says expert
By Chinenye Anuforo
Founder of Hyperspace and chief executive officer of NeuRal AI, Dr. Oluseyi Akindeinde, has told anxious Nigerians not to panic or resist the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) on fears of mass job losses, insisting that nothing of such would happen.
He said, on the contrary, the integration of AI into various sectors will significantly boost productivity and create new opportunities. Speaking at the Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA) ICT Growth Conference 4.0 in Lagos recently, Akindeinde emphasised the crucial need for up-skilling to ensure that the adoption of AI in Nigeria is both sustainable and beneficial.
Confronting the widespread concern that AI could displace human workers, Akindeinde drew an insightful comparison to the early days of the internet. He reminded the audience that, although there were initial fears of widespread job losses, the internet ultimately revolutionized industries, creating vast new opportunities and transforming the global economy. In a similar vein, he argued that AI is not a threat to employment but rather a tool that can enhance human capabilities by automating repetitive and time-consuming tasks.
“AI is not here to take jobs; it’s here to make us more efficient,” Akindeinde asserted, underscoring the potential of AI to augment rather than replace human effort. He pointed to practical examples across various fields, such as journalism, where AI can transcribe interviews and generate summaries, and education, where it can offer personalized learning experiences tailored to individual needs.
Beyond the immediate benefits of AI, Akindeinde stressed the importance of Nigeria investing in AI education and training. He expressed concern over the country’s current educational focus on consumption rather than innovation and production. He advocated for a transformative shift in the education system, where students are taught not only in traditional ways but also through AI-powered tools, ideally in their local languages, to make learning more accessible and effective.
Addressing the gap in skilled personnel necessary for AI regulation and adjudication in Nigeria, Akindeinde called for an urgent effort to train professionals across various sectors—including law, journalism, and medicine—to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the AI landscape. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and skill development, Nigeria can ensure that its workforce remains competitive and adaptable in the face of rapid technological advancements.
Akindeinde’s message was clear: AI adoption should not be feared but embraced, with the right preparation and mindset. By investing in education, up-skilling, and innovation, Nigeria can harness the power of AI to drive progress, improve efficiency, and open up new avenues for economic and social growth.
