Egwu Dennis delivered an engaging talk on “The Future of Work,” diving into the capabilities and implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in modern life. His presentation was both thought-provoking and insightful, leaving the audience with a deeper understanding of AI and its role in shaping our future.
AI and Creativity
Dennis began by discussing AI’s creative potential, noting that while AI can write poetry, no AI has yet won a prestigious literary award like the Pulitzer Prize. However, he emphasized AI’s ability to craft poetic stories and generate creative content.
He captured the audience’s attention with a fascinating example:
“If AI can tell what’s in your fridge without opening it, would you believe it?” While many answered “no,” Dennis explained that modern refrigerators equipped with image recognition systems can identify contents and even suggest recipes.
Dennis concluded that AI is becoming smarter and outpacing human capabilities in specific areas. He posed a fun question to the audience: “If AI were a superhero, what would its name be? Captain Algorithm, Neural Network Ninja, or the Incredible Bot?”
The Importance of STEM
Shifting to the STEM fields, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics—Dennis highlighted their undeniable relevance in solving real-world problems. He noted that despite living in the 21st century, many people still don’t understand what AI is or how it works.
He stressed the importance of integrating AI into various skill sets, whether in web development, graphic design, or other creative and technical fields. Dennis mentioned popular generative AIs like Bard, Gemini, and Runway AI, emphasizing that AI is only as smart as its user.
“AI is a collaborative tool,” he stated. “It’s not our enemy; it’s our ally. AI should support us, not replace us.”
Skills for the AI Age
Dennis outlined essential skills for effectively leveraging AI:
- Computational thinking
- Interdisciplinary knowledge
- Critical thinking
- Creativity
- Problem-solving
Quoting Ralph Waldo Emerson, he said:
“We have shut the schools, and dissertation rooms, colleges for 10 to 15 years, and will come out at last as a bag of wind, a memory of waste, and knowing nothing.”
Dennis linked this to the struggles of young graduates in the job market, attributing their challenges to a lack of practical, employable skills. He urged the audience to go beyond their degrees and acquire additional skills to future-proof themselves.
Challenges in AI Adoption
Dennis identified key barriers to AI adoption:
- Lack of skilled professionals, necessitating upskilling and reskilling.
- High implementation costs.
- Resistance to change in traditional industries.
Potential Impacts of AI on Employment
He also discussed AI’s impact on employment, particularly in the STEM fields:
- Job Creation: Research indicates that between 2023 and 2024, over 150,000 AI-related jobs were created in Nigeria alone.
- Job Displacement: While some roles have been displaced by AI, Dennis pointed out that the number of jobs created outweighs those lost, especially for individuals who upskill and reskill.
- Enhanced Productivity: AI boosts efficiency across industries.
- Demand for Upskilling: As AI evolves, the demand for AI literacy and technical expertise grows.
Dennis highlighted how AI is revolutionizing jobs and skills in the 21st century:
- Growth in roles such as AI engineers and machine learning experts.
- The rise of interdisciplinary roles blending AI with other fields.
- Enhanced research capabilities.
- Increased demand for AI literacy.
He also noted that AI has removed geographical barriers, enabling individuals to work from anywhere in the world.
Ethical Considerations and the Human Role
Dennis concluded with a call to action: “AI plays a transformative role in STEM, but ethical considerations must guide its use.” He stressed the importance of incorporating human intelligence into AI systems, a concept he referred to as “Human in the Loop.”
“AI is good,” he said, “but we need to use it ethically to achieve advanced intelligence that benefits everyone.”
Conclusion
Dennis’s talk was a wake-up call to embrace AI as a collaborative tool rather than fear it as a competitor. By developing the right skills, adopting a collaborative mindset, and ensuring ethical practices, individuals can thrive in the AI-driven future of work.
“The future isn’t just about AI; it’s about how we, as humans, collaborate with it to create a better world.”
