By Abdulrasheed Olokoto

Yoruba always pray that, “Bi aye banse yi ni kamon bayi” which clearly means that, as the world evolves, so shall we transform with it. This depicts how Yoruba values modernisation and adaptation.

It is very obvious that the world is evolving, especially through technology. Many decades ago, workers worked with no machinery. But with the industrialisation era, people started using machinery instead of physical effort. Then, from the industrialisation period when people controlled machinery manually, there was a move to the technological period when machinery was controlled via computer systems. And recently, technology has advanced to Artificial Intelligence, where machinery is programmed to carry out tasks without needing monitoring.

Additionally, back then, communication ran through the post, and even reading, researching, and consulting books meant visiting a library. But in today’s world, things have been changing; it is now a modern period when things that used to be found with stress are now seen with ease.

Artificial Intelligence is the new invention of technology. As technology came to ease workload burdens, Artificial Intelligence as a form of technology came to actively and fully support human beings in various ways. Thus, the emergence of Artificial Intelligence has been a significant advantage.

Yet, the changes have been subjected to criticism as everybody fears losing jobs when they should be thinking of how to transform along with it. However, it is worth clarifying that AI is not a threat to human jobs, but a progress.

Many market research analysts say that AI has the potential to bring about numerous positive changes in society, including enhanced productivity, improved healthcare, and increased access to education, but there will be a need to adapt to it. Nonetheless, others, mostly those working in human work types of jobs that are manually repetitive will say that AI and robotics are a disruptive force and when it comes to the future of jobs it merely serves to steal jobs.

On the flip side, AI has become an instrument of transformation in how jobs are done. Instead of taking jobs, it has become a tool for an indepth research, and instead of being a threat to jobs as projected, it creates opportunities for new skills. Moreover, it frees some human roles to focus on higher-value tasks because it can fill the gap.

Many professionals and workers use it as a supplement to their jobs. Doctors use it to assist in diagnosis, Lawyers use it to draft briefs, Researchers use it to conduct intensive research, even Journalists use it to fact check, and so also the Students who use it for academic assistance.

In adapting to the age of AI and staying relevant, workers must develop skills that complement AI, such as: Critical thinking and problem-solving skills, creativity and innovation skills, emotional intelligence and empathy, data analysis and interpretation skills, and collaboration and communication skills.

As this technology continues to reshape industries, workers must be prepared to learn, unlearn, and relearn because the future of work will require adaptability, creativity, and a willingness to collaborate with AI systems.