By Chiamaka obinna and Immaculata Mba
Photo credit : Google
Growing advancements in science and technology, have sparked the fear of AI eliminating jobs and replacing human activities among workers. This issue which has crept in to Nigeria and many countries of the world, especially with the rise of accessible Generative AI, has sparked intense debates about it’s potential impact on the global workforce. As AI technologies continue to advance and become more accessible, concerns about job displacement and the replacement of human activities have grown. This has made the displacement a legitimate concern, as the issue is more nuanced than simple job loss.
Various studies from Goldman Sachs, MIT, Boston University and McKinsey predicts significant job losses due to AI, with millions of jobs potentially replaced or leading to transitions. There have been real-world cases to support the issue as seen in a Chinese factory where it replaced 90% of its workers with machines, boosting productivity and reducing defects.
Also, companies like Amazon and Google have reduced their workforce while increasing AI adoption. Nigeria isn’t left out with banks implementing AI chatbots, potentially reducing the need for human customer service.
However, despite the challenges, AI seems to create new opportunities. Like previous technological advancements, AI has aided in generating new job opportunities and industries. Some of which include new roles like data scientists, AI engineers and machine learning specialists including growth in industries such as robo-advisories, self-driving cars and precision agriculture.
As AI continues to transform the global workforce, it is essential to recognize that its impact will require adaptation and skill development. While some jobs may become obsolete, new ones will emerge and existing industries will be transformed. For a nation to thrive in this new landscape, especially a nation like Nigeria, workers will need to develop skills that complement AI.
One of these skills is critical thinking which involves the ability to analyze complex data and make informed decisions. Also, creativity which is the capacity to think outside the box and develop innovative solutions, and emotional intelligence that involves the ability to understand and manage human emotions in a rapidly changing work environment, are all necessary.
In essence, to prepare workers for the changing job market, efforts such as investment in educational and vocational training programs can be adopted to enhance productivity and knowledge in this new era. While AI will displace some jobs, it will also aid in the creation of new ones and help transform existing industries. This cannot be achieved single-handedly and therefore requires a collaborative effort between governments, educators and industries to ensure that the benefits of AI are shared by all.
