Nigerian-American IT expert reveals how AI can be used to solve Nigeria's unemployment problem

• Mac Eze Nwachukwu, a Nigerian-American AI expert, believes Artificial Intelligence (AI) will create new job opportunities for Nigerian youths, contrary to concerns it will replace jobs
• To tap into AI's potential, Nwachukwu advised youths to acquire skills like data science, machine learning, and programming
• The tech expert advocated for a balanced approach, urging governments and industries to collaborate on policies ensuring AI benefits everyone through education, retraining programs, and industry support

Lagos, Nigeria—Mac Eze Nwachukwu, a Nigerian-American AI Ethics, Data, and governance analyst, has expressed optimism about Artificial Intelligence (AI) creating new job opportunities for Nigerian youths.

In an exclusive interview with Legit.ng, Nwachukwu outlined AI's potential to revolutionise Nigeria's tech industry and contribute to economic growth.

Expert says artificial Intelligence (AI) can create new job opportunities for Nigerian youths. Photo credit: Mariia Vitkovska Note: Photo used for illustration purpose only
Source: Getty Images

How Nigerian youths can unlock AI's potential

According to Nwachukwu, Nigerian youths can tap into AI by acquiring essential skills such as data science, machine learning, and programming.

He said these in-demand skills are highly sought after globally and can open doors to high-paying jobs in local and international tech sectors.

"Nigerian youths can benefit from AI by acquiring in-demand skills such as data science, machine learning, and programming, leading to lucrative career opportunities in the tech industry."AI can also enable Nigerian youths to develop innovative solutions to local problems, driving entrepreneurship and economic growth through startups and small businesses," the IT expert told Legit.ng.Additionally, AI-powered education platforms can provide Nigerian youths with access to quality learning resources, bridging the knowledge gap and preparing them for a competitive global workforce."AI can bridge the knowledge gap by offering access to quality learning resources."With these resources, Nigerian youths can better prepare themselves for the global workforce, gaining competitive skills to succeed in a rapidly evolving digital economy."

Nwachukwu stresses AI-driven economic growth

Nwachukwu emphasised AI's role in enabling Nigerian youths to develop innovative solutions to local problems, driving entrepreneurship and economic growth through startups and small businesses.

According to him, AI-powered education platforms can also provide access to quality learning resources, bridging the knowledge gap and preparing youths for a competitive global workforce.

Nwachukwu debunks AI job replacement concerns

Contrary to the notion that AI replaces jobs, Nwachukwu highlighted its potential to create new opportunities, particularly in emerging markets.

He said AI already contributes to job creation across various sectors by enhancing efficiency, innovation, and the opening of new markets.

"Artificial Intelligence (AI) is often misunderstood as a job-replacing technology, but in reality, it is creating more employment opportunities in emerging markets through various channels," Nwachukwu said.

To address concerns about AI replacing human jobs, Nwachukwu advocated for a balanced approach.

He reiterated the importance of governments and industries collaborating to create policies ensuring AI benefits everyone.

According to him, this includes investing in education, retraining programmes, and supporting industries that will see significant growth from AI integration.

"It is important that governments and industries work together to create policies that ensure AI benefits everyone," he added."This includes investing in education, providing retraining programs, and supporting industries that will see the most growth from AI integration."

FG invites Nigerians to apply for N100 million AI fund

Meanwhile, the Nigerian government, via the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), recently opened applications for a 100 million AI fund. Google supports the scheme and aims to help Nigerian startups leverage AI to develop innovations.

NCAIR said in a statement that the fund is open to Nigerian-based startups focused on AI-enabled technology solutions with potential for impact.

The fund is open to companies operating in Nigeria with at least one founder.

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Source: Legit.ng