Technology Will Not Take Over People’s Jobs – Pantami

Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has assured that technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence, will not take over people’s jobs but create new opportunities for those who acquire relevant digital skills.

Pantami stated this while delivering a keynote address at the first national conference on education organised by the Faculty of Technology Education, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, held at the CBN Lecture Theatre, Gubi Campus. The event drew prominent academics and researchers from across Nigeria and beyond.

The former minister emphasised the growing importance of AI in modern education and national development, stressing that no nation can afford to ignore its transformative power.

He noted that while traditional knowledge remains relevant, integrating AI into teaching and learning processes has become essential for achieving maximum productivity and economic growth.

“It is unfounded to fear that artificial intelligence will soon take over people’s jobs. AI in itself cannot take over the job of anyone; rather, people with AI knowledge will take over all the jobs in the future. Therefore, factor yourselves to learn and know how to use it”, Professor Pantami noted.

Pantami also urged policymakers and educators to incorporate AI studies into school curricula at all levels, saying that the future of every economy depends on digital literacy and innovation.

For his part, ATBU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ibrahim Hassan Garba, described the maiden conference as a game-changer for the Faculty of Technology Education. He commended the timely and relevant theme ‘The Future of Education in an Era of Artificial Intelligence’.

“The world is rapidly evolving into a highly digitised and precision-driven system. Humans mustn’t be caught unprepared by these monumental changes,” the Vice Chancellor said.

He called on Nigerian education policymakers to ensure that AI knowledge becomes an integral part of the national curriculum.

Professor Mansur Usman Malumfashi chaired the occasion and spoke extensively about the status of the faculty, the importance of artificial intelligence, and its relevance to the modern system of education.

Also speaking, Hon. Abubakar Y. Sulaiman, Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, lauded the initiative as significant and timely.

Sulaiman revealed that the House is already working on legislation to align with emerging educational trends and support the state government’s efforts to transform the education sector.

Earlier, the Dean of the Faculty of Education of the University, Prof. Babawuro Shuaibu, explained that the conference aimed to advance research and expand the faculty’s intellectual horizon, with participants from across Nigeria and other African countries attending both physically and virtually.

The conference concluded with the presentation of awards of honour to distinguished personalities, including former Deans of the Faculty and other notable contributors to education and technology development.