AI can contribute to unemployment in Nigeria: solutions for youth
John Olla – Executive Director Acthub
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize various industries. However, it can also contribute to unemployment in Nigeria. As AI technology becomes more advanced and widely adopted, it can automate various tasks and processes previously performed by human workers. This can lead to job displacement, as machines and algorithms take over tasks that people once did.
One of the main industries that can be affected by the implementation of AI is the manufacturing sector. AI-powered machines and robots can perform welding, assembly, and quality control tasks with greater accuracy and efficiency than human workers. This can lead to a reduction in the number of jobs available for factory workers.
Similarly, in other sectors, such as customer service, AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can handle customer inquiries and complaints, replacing human customer service representatives.
AI can also contribute to unemployment by increasing productivity and reducing costs, leading companies to reduce their workforce or outsource jobs to countries where labour is cheaper.
Moreover, the lack of education and proper training in AI can also contribute to unemployment. If many workers are not trained to work with AI technology, they may find themselves unemployed as machines take over their jobs.
It’s important to note that AI has the potential to create new job opportunities as well. Still, for Nigeria to benefit from these opportunities, it is essential to have a skilled workforce that can work with AI technology and develop AI-related products and services. Additionally, the government and private sectors should work together to create policies and programs addressing AI’s potential negative impacts on employment, such as retraining programs for displaced workers.
What Youths Can Do to Prevent AI from Increasing Unemployment Rates
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize various industries, but it can also lead to job displacement and increase unemployment rates. As AI technology becomes more advanced and widely adopted, it can automate various tasks and processes previously performed by human workers. However, there are steps that youths can take to prevent AI from increasing the rate of unemployment.
1. Developing Skills in AI
One of the most important things youths can do is develop AI skills. By learning about AI technology, its capabilities, and limitations, youths can better understand how it can impact their future careers. Additionally, by developing skills in AI, youths can increase their employability in the job market and make themselves more valuable to employers.
2. Adapting to new technologies
Youths can also adapt to new technologies and learn to work with AI-powered machines and robots. By learning how to use and program AI-powered machines, youths can take on jobs complementary to AI, such as monitoring and maintaining the machines or programming and coding the AI algorithms.
3. Creating new opportunities
Another way to prevent AI from increasing unemployment is by creating new opportunities. Youths can start businesses and create new products and services that utilize AI technology. They can also create new jobs by developing AI-related products and services.
4. Creating awareness
Youths can create awareness about the potential negative impacts of AI on employment and advocate for policies and programs that address these impacts. They can also raise awareness about the importance of education and training in AI, and push for more resources to be invested in these areas.
Conclusion
AI has the potential to revolutionize various industries, but it can also lead to job displacement and increase unemployment rates. To prevent AI from increasing the rate of unemployment, youths can develop skills in AI, adapt to new technologies, create new opportunities, and create awareness about the potential negative impacts of AI on employment. By taking these steps, youths can ensure that they are well-prepared for the future job market and can positively impact the economy.