In recent years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become the centerpiece of discussions surrounding technological advancement and its influence on human life. From chatbots like OpenAI’s ChatGPT revolutionizing customer support to autonomous vehicles redefining the future of transportation, one question looms large: is AI taking over the world?

To answer this question, it is essential to separate hype from reality by focusing on current trends and their implications for humanity. While AI has undeniably transformed several sectors, the idea of “taking over the world” is a layered concept requiring thoughtful analysis.

AI is no longer a concept confined to science fiction. It powers the systems we use daily, from Netflix recommendations and personalized ads to virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa. In Nigeria, AI is making significant strides in diverse fields, including agriculture, where startups like Zenvus use AI-driven sensors to boost productivity. Fintech companies are also leveraging machine learning for fraud detection and customer service.

Globally, the generative AI boom of 2023 and 2024 marked a significant milestone. Tools like MidJourney, OpenAI’s DALL-E, and ChatGPT demonstrated how AI could create art, write essays, and even code software with minimal human input. These developments sparked both awe and fear, with many wondering if humans would soon become obsolete in certain professions.

One of the greatest fears associated with AI is the potential for job displacement. Reports from the World Economic Forum predict that while AI and automation could replace 85 million jobs globally by 2025, they are also expected to create 97 million new roles. These positions include AI trainers, ethicists, and specialists in machine learning operations.

In Nigeria, the story is nuanced. While AI adoption is still in its infancy compared to the West, concerns persist regarding its implications for an already struggling job market. Roles in customer service, manufacturing, and logistics could face disruptions as companies adopt AI-driven efficiencies. However, AI is also creating opportunities for innovation. Nigerian youths are leveraging AI to develop solutions for local challenges, from healthcare diagnostics to improving energy access.

The fear that AI will “take over the world” is deeply rooted in popular culture. Movies like The Terminator and Ex Machina have painted a dystopian picture where machines surpass human intelligence and dominate the planet. However, experts caution against such alarmist views. AI, as it exists today, is task-specific. While impressive, it lacks the general intelligence and emotional awareness required to “take over.”

That said, concerns about control are not unfounded. Recently, discussions about “AI alignment” have gained traction. This refers to the challenge of ensuring AI systems align with human values. Notable tech leaders like Elon Musk and Sam Altman have called for regulatory frameworks to govern AI development, emphasizing the need to prevent unintended consequences.

For instance, bias in AI systems has become a critical issue. A notable example involved facial recognition algorithms that struggled to accurately identify darker-skinned individuals. Such cases highlight the importance of human oversight in AI development to ensure fairness and accountability.

In Nigeria, AI holds immense potential, but its adoption is not without challenges. Limited access to infrastructure, funding, and training remains a stumbling block. While countries like the United States and China are leading the AI revolution, Nigeria is taking cautious steps to ensure it is not left behind. Initiatives like Transformation College’s Certified AI programs are helping to build local capacity.

AI could be a game-changer for sectors like education, where it can personalize learning, and healthcare, where it has already started improving disease detection. But for this potential to be fully realized, the government and private sector must collaborate to create an enabling environment.

Rather than “taking over,” the more plausible scenario is one of partnership. AI is a tool, and its impact depends on how humans wield it. The future is unlikely to be one of human versus machine but rather one where both work together to achieve greater efficiency and innovation.

As Nigerian tech visionary and Founder of Transformation College of Business & Technology, Dr. Orlando Olumide Odejide, once said, “AI will only continue to change our lives and our world in general. Every professional in every field needs to understand how AI can deliver value to their profession and discipline.”

So, is AI taking over the world? The answer lies in perspective. AI is undoubtedly reshaping industries, redefining jobs, and challenging traditional ways of thinking. However, it remains a tool designed to enhance human potential, not replace it entirely.

For Nigerians and the world at large, the focus should not be on resisting AI but on understanding it. By embracing innovation, addressing ethical concerns, and investing in local talent, AI can be a force for good—a partner in progress rather than a threat to humanity.

As the AI era unfolds, one thing is clear: the future belongs to those who are prepared to work alongside technology to solve problems and create new possibilities.

Digital solutions provider, Globacom, has expressed its readiness to help drive the realization of the Federal Government’s digitalization agenda and enablement of technological advancement in the country.

The Executive Vice Chairman of the company, Mrs. Bella Disu, who made this remark at the launch of Nigeria’s Digital Economy Report themed ‘Driving Economic Growth through Digital Transformation’ on Thursday in Abuja, also harped on the need for continuous harnessing of the transformative powers of emerging technologies by Nigeria.

The Glo EVC said, “We see the current challenges in the sector as a responsibility to be at the forefront of enabling tech advancement. We are at the moment doing two things which key into the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy’s strategic blueprint. Under the pillar of Knowledge, the ministry is planning to have about 3m technical talents by 2027 and also increase digital literacy. In Glo, we have a Glo learning management solution which has the capacity to train up to 100,000 users a month on different skill sets from digital marketing and other professional courses some of which we plan to offer as CSR and also on courses covering Python, blockchain, AI to really push digital literacy”.

She added that, “Under innovation, we plan to have four innovation hubs, with one to be rolled out in Lagos in the fourth quarter of the year, and three to be commissioned by the second quarter of 2025 in PH, Ibadan, and Abuja. We see these hubs as being an eco system and a catalyst for technological advancement where we have hubs for tech enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, incubators and accelerators to really collaborate, thrive and learn”.

Explaining that the impact of digitalization was already visible in a few sectors, Mrs Disu noted that “digital platforms have completely revolutionised the transportation and mobility services sector with ride-hailing companies facilitating hundreds of millions of rides in the last seven years, in ecommerce, the sector has grown significantly with online user market now about 76.7 million users. We have also seen a huge growth in POS terminals  from about 155,000 in 2017 to now 1.8 million in 2023″.

She explained further that more and Nigerians are going into remote work, and with the right training, they will be able to take up even more lucrative roles in the sector. ‘In entrepreneurship and start-ups, through fintech and content creation and startups, the opportunities are vast,” Mrs Disu added, promising that Globacom would continue to support the sector.

The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, and the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida received Mrs Disu’s commendation for showing their commitment and political will to resolve the challenges in the telecom industry.

In his speech, Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy stated that Nigeria is well placed to play a critical role in a connected economy with its huge population and resources.

He said “We can only do that by diversifying our economy and strengthening technical efficiency. This is why there is immense focus on digitalizing our economy and accelerating development in sectors like agriculture and mining to improve quality of education so we can improve learning outcomes and as such deepen pour workforce, improve on transportation and infrastructure so that our economy can get the backbone that is required to make it work for our people”.

The duo of GSMA Africa and the World Bank presented the Digital Economy Report at the event.

[Lagos, Nigeria] – With the rising cost of education posing a significant challenge for parents in today’s economy, Transformation College of Business and Tech (TCBT), a pioneering online educational institution committed to accessibility, announces the launch of its Certificate Program for 2024.

Registrations for the upcoming 2024/2025 academic session are now open, offering hope and opportunity for students from all walks of life.

As an NGO dedicated to democratizing education, TCBT empowers individuals, including SSCE graduates, NYSC members, university graduates, and professionals, by providing quality education through National Innovation Diploma (NID) Certificates in various courses. With a vision of inclusivity and empowerment, TCBT is bridging the gap in educational access within Nigeria and beyond.

The Certificate Program for 2024 stands as a beacon of affordability and excellence, offering a comprehensive curriculum focusing on Business Analysis and ISO Management Systems. Over the course of 12 weeks, participants will acquire essential knowledge and skills vital for success in today’s ever-evolving business landscape.

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Edith Ugochukwu, General Manager of TCBT, expressed her enthusiasm for the forthcoming program, stating, “In these challenging times, TCBT remains steadfast in our mission to provide accessible education to all. Our Certificate Program for 2024 is not just an educational opportunity; it’s a pathway to empowerment and success. We invite individuals from all backgrounds to join us in this transformative journey.”

Registration for the Certificate Program is now open, and interested individuals can secure their place by visiting the official TCBT website at https://transformationcollege.org/certprogram/. Prospective students are also encouraged to register for the upcoming 2024/2025 academic session to take full advantage of TCBT’s innovative learning environment and industry partnerships.

Testimonials from Previous Participants:

“Participating in the TCBT program was a game-changer for me. The knowledge and skills I gained in business analysis, risk management, public speaking, and ISO certifications have been invaluable. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking to enhance their professional skills.” – Tesleem Esuola

“The 12-week program at TCBT exceeded all my expectations. The comprehensive curriculum and expert facilitation provided me with a deep understanding of ISO standards and their practical implementation. I extend my sincere gratitude to TCBT for their commitment to excellence in online learning.” – Austin Okibe Onoja

“TCBT’s program has been an incredibly educative and insightful journey. The trainers exhibited commendable expertise, delivering comprehensive insights and making complex concepts easy to grasp. I highly recommend this program to anyone seeking knowledge in this area.” – Vera Iyere

“The TCBT Certificate Program was truly transformative. The well-structured curriculum, expert instructors, and interactive learning environment provided me with invaluable skills applicable to real-world scenarios. I’m grateful for this opportunity and highly recommend TCBT to aspiring professionals.” – Adenike Adebayo

For further details about Transformation College of Business and Tech and to register for the Certificate Program or the upcoming academic session, please visit https://transformationcollege.org/ or contact Mercy at +234 912 718 3212.

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