By Tolu Aiyegbusi
Some Information and Communication (ICT) experts have advocated targeted skills, cross-sector collaboration, and inclusive policy if Nigeria would benefit from the huge global opportunities presented by automation.
They said this in interviews with the News agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.
According to them, automation and smart technologies in today’s world are reshaping roles, redefining values and requiring new forms of expertise.
A Web Developer and Founder, Texth Hub, Ms Safiya Ahmed, said the workplace was undergoing tremendous structural changes adding that Nigeria could not afford to be left behind.
Ahmed said by focusing on skills development, collaboration, and adaptability, Nigeria could build a workforce equipped to participate meaningfully in a digital economy.
She said also that the workforce could contribute to a more resilient and inclusive future of work.
“Automation is shifting routine tasks to machines so that people can focus on creativity.
“Success will depend on how fast organisations adopt technology, but much more on how effectively the organisations build the human capabilities to use it,” she said.
Ahmed said that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation were already enhancing productivity across sectors.
“In manufacturing, AI streamlines repetitive processes; in healthcare it improves diagnostics and enables telemedicine.
“The office is now a network of collaboration, not a single location.
“Technology extends human reach when paired with targeted training and workplace redesign,” she said.
Also, Content Creator, Femi Bode, said that technology was becoming more flexible and connected because digital tools enabled remote collaboration across borders.
He said also that employers could tap global talent while workers would gain access to new markets.
“No single company can master every component of a complex system.
“Small, agile firms and specialist providers are filling niche roles—designing software modules, providing data services, or building components for larger projects.
“Collaboration across sectors is becoming a defining feature of innovation.
“Governments and industry can amplify the impact by supporting regional hubs and shared infrastructure,’’ Bode said.
A Software developer, Ali Sale, said a coordinated approach between education, government, and industry could align curricula to real workplace needs.
He said that such approach could also expand apprenticeships and micro-credentials, and fund teacher training and lab resources.
“Public policy should prioritise affordable internet access, school-to-work pipelines, and incentives for lifelong learning.
“Nigeria’s skills gap reflects a disconnection between classrooms and employers.
“Training pipelines must be more responsive through industry-informed syllabuses, work-integrated learning, and accessible retraining programmes for mid-career workers.
“A more coordinated approach is required, linking education providers, government and business’’ he said.
A computer science teacher, Ali Dadi, said digital skills should be foundational, not optional.
According to him, such foundation will make education and training evolve faster.
He said that digital literacy, in many schools, was still taught as an elective, rather than a core competency.
He said that early exposure to coding, data literacy, and computational thinking prepared young people for diverse careers.
“Building human capabilities like creativity, adaptability, emotional intelligence, and continuous learning will be the real competitive advantage.
“Practical steps include expanding STEM and digital literacy in schools, scaling vocational training, strengthening industry–academia partnerships.
“Also, improving broadband access and digital infrastructure,” the teacher said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Esenvosa Izah/Uche Anunne
