Joy Agwunobi
For centuries, human labour has been the backbone of economies worldwide, driving growth from agriculture to manufacturing and, more recently, digital innovation. However, a deep sense of uncertainty is now gripping professionals across industries as technological advancements, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), continue to alter the workplace.
The fear is undeniable as machines are increasingly taking over tasks once performed by humans, raising concerns about job security. As businesses swiftly integrate advanced automated systems, many worry that years of experience and carefully refined skills could become irrelevant in an evolving workplace.
The global race for AI dominance led by the United States and China, is intensifying this shift. Over the past weeks, both economic powerhouses have poured billions into AI research, each striving to control the next wave of technological breakthroughs. But beyond the competition to build the most sophisticated machines lies a more pressing question: How will AI reshape employment?
The modern workplace is already undergoing significant transformation as businesses are leveraging AI-driven automation to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and reduce costs. While these changes create new opportunities, they also pose a serious threat to existing jobs.
The emergence of AI-powered assistants like ChatGPT and DeepSeek is raising concerns about the future relevance of certain professions. While some experts argue that AI will complement human efforts by improving productivity, others fear that employers will increasingly replace workers with digital systems that never demand salaries, rest and never take sick leave .
This uncertainty is forcing professionals across various fields in education, finance, media, and even engineers to rethink their roles of whether or not technology will continue to be a helpful tool, or if we are slowly moving toward a world where human jobs are at risk.
Speaking on the future of work, Demola Scott, head of People & Culture at Optimus Afrinvest, emphasised the importance of embracing technology and continuous learning to remain relevant in the evolving job market.
Demola Scott, head of People & Culture at Optimus Afrinvest, highlighted the critical role of technology and continuous learning in staying relevant in the ever-evolving job market. Speaking on the future of work, he emphasised that while changes are inevitable, the key lies in adaptation rather than fear.
“I believe the future of work is secure. What we are witnessing is not widespread job displacement but augmentation. However, many people remain apprehensive about this shift. While some roles may disappear, new opportunities will emerge, that has always been the case. The real challenge will be for those who fail to upskill, adapt, and effectively utilise technology—they are the ones at risk of being left behind,” he explained.
Scott referenced the transition from typewriters to computers in the 1980s. “When computers became mainstream, typists who refused to evolve lost their jobs. Even today, if you visit some local government offices, you’ll still find typewriters in use. Meanwhile, those who embraced the changes and continuously upskilled themselves stayed relevant in the workforce,” he noted.
He emphasised that while artificial intelligence (AI) presents challenges, it also offers immense benefits. “We shouldn’t fear AI; we should embrace it. It will undoubtedly make life easier. Of course, there are downsides, but the advantages far outweigh the concerns,” Scott added.
In countries like Nigeria, where job creation is already a significant challenge, the rise of automation presents a complex issue. Many worry that increased automation could reduce employment opportunities even further, leaving a large portion of the workforce without viable job prospects.
Scott acknowledged these concerns but emphasised the importance of a strategic and thoughtful approach to job creation. According to him, job creation is often handled without proper consideration when people talk about creating jobs, they often focus on manual roles that lack intellectual depth.We must move beyond just creating jobs for the sake of it. What we need is to localise ideas and adapt global trends to fit our local context. It’s not about following every global trend, but about critically thinking, adapting, and constructing a detailed plan.
He also stressed the need for a long-term employment strategy in Nigeria. “Change is inevitable, whether we like it or not. We are heading towards a hybrid work environment, with advancements in fields like electric vehicles and AI. While we must embrace these changes, we must also focus on how to localise these technologies and develop a structured roadmap for the future. The problem is that there’s no clear plan. We don’t have a job creation strategy for 2030 or even a five-year plan outlining how to generate employment. People talk about creating jobs, but there’s no defined agenda to make it happen.”
Scott drew comparisons to more structured economies, such as China, to illustrate the importance of a well-thought-out approach. According to him, in China children are already being taught about technology from a young age and are being prepared to build the future because there is a clear plan. They know exactly how many jobs they aim to create and which sectors they will focus on.
“Nigeria lacks such a plan for its growing population. We need to think critically, localise solutions, and understand what will work for us in Nigeria and across Africa. Only then can we effectively harness the potential of these technological advancements,” he added.
While technical skills in AI, cloud computing, and data science are gaining prominence, Scott argued that soft skills remain equally critical. “Not everyone is suited for hands-on technical work. But leadership, collaboration, and critical thinking are universal skills that will always be in demand,” he explained.
Scott shared his own experience of attempting to learn data science in 2018. “I realised I didn’t have the patience for coding. Instead of forcing myself into a technical role, I focused on how I could integrate AI into human resources. That’s the mindset professionals should adopt—finding ways to apply emerging technologies to their existing skill sets.”
He stressed that individuals should not feel pressured to become software developers or AI experts. “What matters most is understanding how to leverage technology to enhance your work, whether you are an accountant, HR professional, or business owner.”
Addressing concerns about whether human elements in various professions will eventually be eliminated due to digital interventions, Scott pointed out that automation is already reshaping workplaces. “This transition has been happening for years, but it is now advancing at a much faster pace. Many business processes are becoming fully automated. A simple query can now generate vast amounts of data instantly, eliminating the need for manual data entry. In payroll management, for example, companies no longer rely on employees to go through excel files manually; software solutions handle these tasks efficiently.”
He acknowledged the widespread fear about job security in the face of automation and AI-driven changes but encouraged professionals to embrace the shift proactively. “Certain jobs, particularly those that are heavily reliant on repetitive tasks, will inevitably be phased out as technology evolves. However, rather than being fearful, individuals should focus on scaling up and acquiring new competencies that align with emerging industry trends. The key is to adapt and remain relevant in an increasingly digital world.”
Scott further urged professionals to adopt a mindset of continuous learning and adaptability. “The fear of job displacement is understandable, but instead of resisting change, we should embrace it,” he said.
According to him, the workforce of the future will be defined by those who are willing to learn, unlearn, and relearn. Rapid upskilling and strategic thinking will be the most valuable assets in navigating the future of work.”
For older professionals who feel disconnected from digital advancements, Scott emphasised the importance of staying curious. “ for those in their 40s and 50s above;the key is in staying curious,” he said, adding that age should not diminish one’s vitality, strength, or intelligence. It’s crucial to focus on improving your tech skills.”
He acknowledged that not everyone can pursue a full-fledged career in tech. However, Scott pointed out that it is vital to leverage technology as a tool to enhance other activities and responsibilities, thus remaining adaptable in a fast-paced world.
