Experts Urge Nigerian Students to Embrace AI Skills

On Tuesday, a workshop themed "Future Work and Artificial Intelligence" was held in Gwarimpa, Abuja, organized by Open Africa Foundation in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Reform Secretariat. The workshop aimed to prepare students for the evolving job market, emphasizing the necessity of embracing artificial intelligence (AI) and digital skills.

Tund Aworind, chairman of Open Africa Foundation, expressed concerns about graduates leaving school without practical skills needed for employment and entrepreneurship, highlighting a youth unemployment rate estimated at 30-40%. He urged a shift in mindset among young people, stressing that academic certifications alone are insufficient for securing jobs.

Stanlei Ud, a retired inspector general of police, discussed the dual nature of AI, noting its potential to create new opportunities while also posing threats such as cyber fraud and misinformation. The workshop trained students from 20 public and private secondary schools across the Federal Capital Territory in AI, cybersecurity, and video editing, aiming to equip them with practical skills for the future.