The concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, sometimes called machine intelligence, is the kind of intelligence verified by machines, in contrast to the natural intelligence displayed by humans and animals.
however, a notion that many Nigerians are not familiar with, even though many countries of the world have already keyed into it in this 21st century, especially developed nations.
AI technology is the
replication of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer
systems such as speech recognition and machine vision.
computer science area that
emphasises the creation of intelligent machines which include robots that work
and respond like humans, as well as perform chores done by humans. However, a
number of Nigerians are not sure of what it is, how it works, and how it will
affect their daily activities.
An Information Communication Technology (ICT) expert, Mr Sampson Awele says whenever AI is mentioned, many people tend to imagine science literature stories about robots taking the jobs and ruling the world. According to Mr Awele, it is right moment Nigeria keys into the scheme and focus on its potential benefits and how it will help citizens to live improved lives.
He says “AI will only start doing dull or dangerous jobs. At the very least, humans and machines will work together. AI is taking the centre stage within the fourth revolution with the theory and development of computer systems able to perform tasks normally requiring human intelligence.”
Mr Oluwafemi Osho, a Lecturer in the Department of Cyber Security Science, Federal University of Technology, Minna in Niger, says he believes the exploitation of AI will increase the rate of unemployment in the country. “AI is the future. “This is more so, considering the fact that digitisation worldwide keeps growing.” According to him, people will need to choose careers that are ICT-compliant and going further, there might be no need for some kind of jobs.
“when computers came, the idea was to reduce processing time, labour cost, increase efficiency and it went further to algorithm, AI. “AI will not take over jobs, it only means that humans will have to adjust so that the jobs they do will suit trends in the Information Communication Technology sector.” He said
However According to Mr jimson Olufuye, former boss of African Information Communication Technology Alliance (AfICTA), there is little or no internet connectivity in many parts of the country, and calls for improvement and bemoans Nigeria’s readiness to embrace AI, stressing that huge investment will be required for the purpose.
Meanwhile, the Federal Ministry of Communications has confident of its commitment to support ICT stakeholders and strengthen a national AI ecosystem to achieve sustainable growth. The Minister of Communications, Mr Adebayo Shittu, also reaffirms the ministry’s commitment to focus on the potential of AI to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030, and improve the nation’s economy.
AI is taking centre stage with a lot of impact on peoples’ lives as its potential power is being exploited and developed at an unprecedented speed. “With many nations, including Nigeria banking on technology, robotics and artificial intelligence to reshape humanity, we need to encourage our youths and people to be digital-literates and become multi-discipline in ICT. Shittu says
“Market analysts forecast that intelligent machines programmed to think and reason like the human mind will revolutionise healthcare in the very near future. Proponents of the transformative power of artificial intelligence usually give two examples: self-driving cars and the delivery of healthcare.” The minister emphasise
The minister said AI is no longer confined to the laboratories, but can be seen in many instances of human activities. “We are accustomed to seeing countless references to intelligent machines and robots in popular culture whether it is in movies, fiction or books.
“But apart from computers and smartphone technology, nothing is more worthy of praise than our commitment to replicate human behaviours and thought pattern into machine and that is the world of artificial intelligence. “As governments increasingly rely on the internet for governance and delivery of social benefits, technology simultaneously holds the promise of transformation and potential for exclusion.”
The minister promise that the ministry will engage in crucial conversations with stakeholders to manage and explore the AI regime. According to him, Nigeria will seek to bring industry leaders and academic experts to the forefront by identifying priorities and share lessons for sustainable growth. “We shall consider and explore pillars like connectivity, digital inclusion, trade, security, innovation and policy.
“We will also examine
challenges and prospects of AI to foster greater interoperability and security.
“Since government is leveraging the internet for delivery of social services,
lessons must be internalised to make this initiative more inclusive.
The fear of the technology also taking over jobs
hitherto done by humans, and increasing the unemployment market should also be
put at rest, as many more responsibilities and functions abound to advance ,
requiring human capacity and intelligence.
