Artificial Intelligence: Don Douses Fear Of Job Losses, Says AI Will Create New Employment Opportunities

By Daniel Dafe

Prof. Emeritus Peter Okebukola has said that while it is true that Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to automate tasks that were previously performed by humans, it is essential to understand that AI’s impact on the job market is not a simple binary of either job creation or job destruction.

The don made this assertion while delivering the 17th Convocation Lecture of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, on Friday, titled: ‘‘Building an AI-Ready Workforce for Nigeria’s Future: Strategies for Education, Skills Development and Innovation.’

He continued: ‘Rather, AI is likely to lead to both job displacement and the creation of new types of employment, with significant shifts in the skills and industries that will thrive in the AI-driven future.

“In the short term, AI and automation could replace certain routine and repetitive jobs, especially those in manufacturing, customer service, and administrative roles. For example, jobs that involve processing large amounts of data, handling customer inquiries, or performing manual tasks on assembly lines could be replaced by AI systems designed to perform these functions more efficiently. These types of jobs, often referred to as “low-skilled” or “blue-collar” positions, are at risk of being automated as AI technologies improve in capabilities such as natural language processing, image recognition, and decision-making. In sectors like retail, for example, self-checkout machines, chatbots, and automated inventory management systems are already replacing some of the roles traditionally held by human workers.”

“The displacement of jobs by AI is not necessarily a zero-sum game,” he averred.

He asserted: ‘While certain jobs may disappear, the rise of AI also has the potential to create entirely new industries and job categories that we may not even be able to fully predict at this stage.”

Continuing, he said that many experts believe that as AI continues to evolve, it will give rise to a new wave of job creation, particularly in fields such as AI research and development, data science, machine learning engineering, and AI ethics.

“For instance, as more businesses adopt AI, there will be an increased demand for professionals who can build, maintain, and improve these technologies. Additionally, workers in sectors such as healthcare, education, and finance will need to adapt to AI tools that enhance productivity and decision-making processes, creating opportunities for more specialized roles in these fields,” he said.

Furthermore, he opined that “AI’s ability to handle repetitive tasks offers a silver lining for workers in more creative and human-centric industries.”

In his words, “by automating tedious and time-consuming activities, AI has the potential to free up human workers to focus on higher-value tasks, such as strategic planning, creative problem-solving, and interpersonal communication. For instance, AI could be used to assist doctors in diagnosing diseases more accurately, allowing them to spend more time interacting with patients and developing personalized treatment plans. Similarly, in education, AI can help teachers automate administrative tasks, providing them with more time to focus on teaching and fostering student engagement.”

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The don noted that “the key to ensuring that AI does not lead to widespread unemployment lies in how societies and governments manage this transition,” adding: “One of the most critical factors in mitigating job displacement is investing in reskilling and upskilling programs for workers whose jobs may be at risk.”

Speaking further, he said: “By equipping workers with the skills needed to thrive in an AI-powered economy, we can ensure that the workforce is prepared for the changes that automation brings. For example, workers in manufacturing could be trained in the operation and maintenance of AI-powered machines, while those in customer service could be trained in advanced communication and problem-solving skills that complement AI systems. Such reskilling initiatives can help individuals transition into new roles, thus reducing the potential negative impact of automation on the job market.”

Okebukola said further: “Moreover, as the demand for AI-related skills increases, educational institutions and training centres like DELSU have an important role to play in ensuring that future generations are prepared for the AI-driven economy. From an early age, students can be introduced to the concepts of AI, coding, data analytics, and computational thinking, equipping them with the foundational skills necessary for careers in technology. Universities and vocational schools can also offer specialized programs in AI, machine learning, robotics, and cybersecurity, ensuring that graduates have the technical expertise to contribute to and benefit from the rise of AI.

“There is also the potential for AI to contribute to job creation in the form of entrepreneurship. With AI tools becoming more accessible, there are unprecedented opportunities for entrepreneurs to build innovative solutions, start new businesses, and solve societal problems. Startups focusing on AI applications in sectors such as agriculture, education, healthcare, and logistics will not only create jobs but also drive economic growth in emerging markets. Governments can encourage such innovation by providing funding, tax incentives, and infrastructure to support AI-driven startups.

“While AI will undoubtedly lead to job displacement in certain sectors, it also holds the potential to create a more dynamic and innovative job market. By embracing AI’s transformative capabilities and focusing on workforce development, we can ensure that the future job market is not defined by widespread unemployment but by the creation of new opportunities that drive progress and prosperity. With proactive policies aimed at reskilling workers, integrating AI into the workforce, and fostering innovation, AI can become a force for positive change that enhances productivity, boosts economic growth, and improves the quality of work for many people around the world.”

Speaking further, he said that as Nigeria prepares to embrace a future shaped by artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technologies, Delta State University, Abraka (DELSU) has the potential to play a transformative role in equipping the workforce with the skills, knowledge, and innovative mindset necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing digital landscape.

“By prioritising education, skills development, and fostering innovation, DELSU can become a major player in building an AI-ready workforce for Nigeria’s future.

“The role of DELSU extends beyond producing AI-ready graduates. It involves shaping a generation of critical thinkers, problem-solvers, and leaders who can harness AI for societal benefit. By combining education, skills development, and innovation, DELSU can contribute to Nigeria’s global competitiveness, reduce unemployment, and drive sustainable development,” he said.

To prepare students for an AI-driven world, he called on DELSU to prioritise the integration of AI and technology-related courses into its curriculum within the 30% institutional addition to the CCMAS.

“The university should include courses in AI, machine learning, data science, robotics, and automation across disciplines. This ensures that students, regardless of their field of study, gain exposure to emerging technologies.

“There should also be interdisciplinary learning. Collaboration between academic programmes such as computer science, engineering, and social sciences can encourage interdisciplinary learning. Programmes that merge technical skills with ethical, societal, and policy considerations of AI will prepare graduates for multifaceted roles in the workforce. Industry partnerships should be another area of focus. Collaborations with tech companies and AI research institutions can provide students with hands-on experience through internships, projects, and mentorships. These partnerships can ensure that education aligns with industry needs. Beyond specialised courses, DELSU should aim to promote general digital literacy. Introducing coding, problem-solving, and computational thinking at the undergraduate level will create a solid foundation for all students,” he added.

Meanwhile, Okebukola said that developing a skilled workforce is essential for addressing the diverse opportunities and challenges associated with AI, just as he advised that “DELSU can adopt technical training programmes offering certification and short courses in AI, machine learning, and programming will allow students and professionals to acquire specialised skills quickly.”

Adding: “Another is establishing AI labs, innovation hubs, and tech-focused research centres on campus which will provide students with access to cutting-edge tools and resources. Also is reskilling and upskilling. DELSU can extend its impact beyond students by offering lifelong learning programmes for the existing workforce. This ensures that professionals in Delta State and beyond remain competitive in an AI-driven economy.”

He also said that “encouraging entrepreneurship through business incubation programmes will enable students to apply their AI skills in creating startups and innovative solutions that address local challenges.”