Don tasks FG on reskilling, upskilling Nigerian workers to align AI-driven workplace
Professor James Ejue, a renowned academic don and former Provost of the Federal College of Education (FCE) Obudu, has urged the Federal Government to invest in reskilling and upskilling Nigerian workers to adapt to the growing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the workplace.
According to Ejue, this move would alleviate workers’ fears of being replaced by AI, since skills acquired would make them to remain relevant in the modern job market.
Speaking at the University of Calabar’s 145th inaugural lecture, which took place Wednesday evening, the professor in Guidance and Counseling Department, emphasized the need for workers to stay abreast with modern trends to remain relevant.
He said that government should allocate resources for career transitioning and upskilling of Nigerian workers to prepare them for AI-driven work environment.
On the believe that (AI) would soon replace teachers in schools, Ejue stated that ( AI ) won’t replace teachers but rather augment teachers’ roles, stressing that teachers who upskill will effectively utilize (AI) in their profession.
On the issue of mental health, the don advocated for mandatory annual mental health evaluations for workers and students to identify and address potential issues early.
On the issue of substance use disorder, Ejue, averred that given the rising concern of substance use disorder globally, he suggested researching its social and contextual factors and identifying effective therapies.
He emphasized involving learners as critical stakeholders in curriculum planning through need assessments, adding that he aims to promote harmony restoration and prepare Nigerian workers for the future job market.
Other issues dealt with by the inaugural lecturer include, divergence education crises, parenting- styles and their impact on conflict, regaining convergences among others.
In her closing remarks, Vice Chancellor of the institution Prof Florence Obi who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (DVC) Linkages, Research and Collaboration Prof. Peter Okafor lauded the inaugural lecturer for what he described as incisive presentation.
By: Archibong Emmanuel
(Snr. Reporter)
