Former Provost of the Federal College of Education, Obudu, Professor James Ejue, has urged the Federal Government to train Nigerian workers in Artificial Intelligence (AI).
He said this would reduce workers’ fears of losing jobs to technology. “The skills acquired will make them remain relevant in the modern job market,” he explained.
Prof. Ejue spoke at the University of Calabar during the 145th Inaugural Lecture on Wednesday. The professor of Guidance and Counseling called for stronger government investment in career transitioning and upskilling.
AI and the Future of Teaching
On the fear that AI would replace teachers, Ejue disagreed. “AI will only augment the roles of teachers,” he said. He stressed that teachers who upskill will use the technology effectively in classrooms.
He also proposed that learners should be treated as stakeholders in curriculum planning. According to him, a needs assessment would help design more relevant education.
Ejue urged annual mental health checks for both students and workers. He said early detection of problems would help prevent deeper crises.
He further called for more research on social and cultural factors behind substance abuse. “Identifying effective therapies requires understanding the context of the people,” he explained.
The former provost said his goal was to promote harmony and prepare Nigerians for the future workplace. “Workers must be equipped to fit into the AI-driven job market,” he noted.
Nigeria’s unemployment and underemployment rates remain high, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. Could AI training ease these pressures, or will it create new challenges?
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