TECHRISE DTI URGES YOUTHS TO EMBRACE AI, DIGITAL SKILLS FOR FUTURE JOBS
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By: Muftau Fatimo
A technology firm, TechRise DTI, has urged Nigerian youths to acquire artificial intelligence (AI) and digital skills, saying those who combine human expertise with AI tools will have a competitive advantage in the future job market.
The call was made during a webinar held on Thursday with the theme, “The AI Advantage: Who Will Benefit More from AI Usage?
In his welcome address, a director at TechRise, Emmanuel Brendan, said the training was designed to take participants beyond basic awareness of AI and equip them with practical knowledge on how to apply the technology.
He said the programme provides training, technical support and opportunities for participants to develop and commercialise AI-powered solutions.
Brendan explained that the initiative was aimed at building a pipeline of technically skilled Nigerians capable of contributing to the country’s growing digital economy.
He noted that AI had become increasingly important in technological development, business productivity and the creation of new digital products and services.
“Our goal is to invest in people. When you empower one with relevant skills, you create a ripple effect that benefits families, communities, and the nation at large,” he said.
Brendan also expressed concern over the high rate of youth unemployment across Africa, noting that many young graduates lacked the practical skills required to compete in today’s digital workplace.
“Youth unemployment remains a major challenge with many young graduates lacking practical skills demanded by today’s digital workplaces. Our vision is for an Africa where every young person, regardless of location or circumstance, has the digital skills, tools, and opportunities to shape their own future and lead the continent’s transformation,” he said.
Delivering the keynote lecture, an ICT expert and Chief Executive Officer of Technoville Nigeria, Richard Pepple, said AI would not benefit everyone equally, stressing that its rapid deployment made it fundamentally different from previous technological revolutions.
Pepple described the “AI advantage” as the ability to use artificial intelligence to achieve significantly better outcomes than would be possible without the technology.
“The real beneficiaries will be those who combine human skills, domain knowledge and judgment to drive efficiency and effectiveness,” he said.
Citing global projections, Pepple said AI could create about 117 million jobs while potentially displacing approximately 92 million jobs by 2030.
He, however, warned that Africa could be significantly affected by the disruption due to challenges including limited access to AI tools, low digital literacy, high data costs and inadequate telecommunications infrastructure.
In her remarks, the Executive Director of TechRise DTI, Nseabasi Udondian, said the webinar was organised to prepare African youths for the rapidly changing digital economy.
Udondian said the initiative was part of the organisation’s commitment to promoting meaningful societal transformation through technology and skills development.
“AI is not here to replace you; it is here to multiply you. Learn AI early. Use it to solve real problems in health, agriculture, education and creative work.
“We have trained over 1,000 youths across Nigeria and Africa in AI, Data, Product Design and Cybersecurity. Don’t just consume AI tools, build with them, and use them to create jobs and businesses for Africa,” she urged.
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