Connect with us

Technology

AI’s impact on jobs, tech’s touchy topic

Published

on

“Stop Hiring Humans” read a provocative sign at an AI conference in Las Vegas, where the impact of new artificial intelligence models on the world of work had sparked some unease.

 

“We’re not worried about tiptoeing around. We’re sparking the conversation,” said Fahad Alam of Artisan, a startup, at the HumanX AI event.

 

The San Francisco company is promoting AI agents — virtual sales representatives that identify potential customers, contact them, write emails, and schedule appointments.

 

AI agents, which are supposed to make decisions that are usually made by humans, have become the latest buzzword of the generative AI story that began with the release of ChatGPT in 2022.

 

With its offering, Artisan’s typical avatar, Ava, costs 96 percent less than a human performing the same tasks, according to the company’s website.

 

The startup’s straight-to-the-point approach sharply contrasts with most generative AI companies, who tread cautiously on whether ChatGPT-like technologies will leave human workers unemployed by the wayside.

 

“I don’t fundamentally think it’s about displacing employees as much as better leveraging them for the things only humans can do,” said Josh Constine of SignalFire, a venture capital firm.

 

Predictions can vary wildly. Goldman Sachs estimates AI could eliminate 300 million jobs globally through automation.

 

An 2024 Metrigy report found 89 percent of firms surveyed reduced customer relations staff in the previous year due to generative AI.

 

On the other hand, 70 percent of major companies surveyed by the World Economic Forum said they planned to hire workers with AI-related skills in the coming years.

 

“It’s natural evolution,” said Joe Murphy of D-iD, which offers video avatars and recently struck a partnership with Microsoft.

 

“Like the car’s invention, AI will create a new sector. Jobs will be created and lost simultaneously.”

 

Supporting this theory, data from the US Department of Labor shows jobs for secretaries and administrative assistants fell from 4.1 million to 3.4 million between 1992 and 2023, coinciding with the rise of office computing.

 

During the same period, the number of computer scientists more than doubled, from approximately 500,000 to 1.2 million.

 

Still, given the sensitivities about replacing humans, some advise discretion.

 

“You’re selling software that replaces a significant part of their team,” said Tomasz Tunguz, founder of Theory Ventures. “You can’t sell that overtly.”

 

“Some clients candidly don’t want it known they’re using AI,” added Alam.

 

– ‘Inevitable’ –

 

There is little doubt that some kind of upheaval of the workplace is underway, but its precise impact remains uncertain.

 

Analysts predict job losses for programmers, call center operators, translators, and travel agents.

 

However, others caution against taking bold statements — or reassurances — by startups at face value.

 

“Technology innovators learn communication skills by overstating the positive, underplaying the negative,” said Mark Hass, marketing professor at Arizona State University.

 

But many startups reject the notion they’re misleading on job impacts.

 

“The majority of people we’re talking to aren’t doing this because of efficiency. They’re doing this because of top-line revenue growth,” said Paloma Ochi of Decagon, a marketing AI startup.

 

“And when the business grows, that’s good for everyone. There are going to be more jobs for humans within that business.”

 

“Most customers don’t want to let people go,” said Joshua Rumsey, a senior sales engineer at Aisera, whose AI agents are used in finance and HR. Though they are “looking to grow without hiring new agents as existing ones leave.”

 

Given the disruptions, Hass advocated for greater transparency, warning that surprising the public with negative impacts on livelihoods could lead to backlash.

 

“Talking about the implications doesn’t weaken the case for AI, because I think it’s inevitable. Not talking about it in a wholesome way creates the oppor

tunity for misunderstanding,” he said.

 

-The Guardian

 

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Business

OPay Dismisses Closure Rumours Over Alleged Tax Violations

Published

on

A leading fintech company, OPay Digital Services Limited, has dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that its offices in Lagos and Abuja were sealed by the Nigeria Revenue Service over alleged tax non-compliance.

 

The digital firm clarified that its offices across the country remain open and fully operational, stressing that it continues to serve customers, partners and merchants without disruption.

In a statement issued by its management, the firm said reports suggesting its offices were shut due to failure to meet Value Added Tax (VAT) and Company Income Tax obligations under the Nigeria Tax Act 2025 were inaccurate.

“Our offices across Nigeria, including Lagos and Abuja, remain open and fully operational, and we continue to serve our customers, partners, and merchants without disruption,” the firm said.

OPay further maintained that it has consistently complied with all statutory tax requirements and regulatory obligations governing financial technology operators in the country.

“As a responsible financial technology company operating in Nigeria, we are compliant with all applicable tax obligations and regulatory requirements. We work closely and transparently with all relevant government agencies and regulatory authorities to ensure that our operations consistently meet statutory standards,” the statement added.

According to the company, the notice referenced in the online reports arose from a recent directive issued to payment platforms across the industry by the tax authority.

The digital payment firm noted that the directive requested operators to distinctly separate certain statutory charges on their applications to make reconciliation and transparency easier.

“The notice referenced in the reports arose from a recent industry-wide directive by the Nigeria Revenue Service requesting payment platforms to distinctly separate certain statutory charges on their applications for easier reconciliation and transparency,” the company averred.

Similarly, It further stressed that the directive affects several operators within the payment ecosystem and should not be interpreted as an indication that OPay failed to meet its tax obligations.

“This administrative clarification affects multiple operators across the industry, not OPay alone. The suggestion that the notice indicates non-payment of taxes is therefore factually incorrect and misleading,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, the company expressed concern over what it described as the deliberate singling out of OPay in reports about the directive.

“Equally troubling is the selective and deliberate singling out of OPay in a matter that concerns the wider industry. Such reporting not only distorts the facts but also appears calculated to undermine the reputation of a company that has consistently demonstrated strong compliance, transparency and cooperation with regulators”

Hence, the management urged the public to disregard claims circulating online suggesting that the fintech firm is shutting down or that its offices have been sealed.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the information currently circulating online suggesting that OPay is shutting down or our offices have been shut down should be disregarded, as it does not reflect the true s ituation,” it said.

The Fintech firm reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s digital economy by providing secure, reliable and inclusive financial services to millions of users across the country.

 

 

-Regards,

 

 

Continue Reading

Education

Media Support Key To UNILORIN’s Growth – VC

Published

on

The vice chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Egbewole (SAN), has highlighted the vital role of the media in sustaining the institution’s growth and reputation.

He urged continued collaboration between the university and journalists.

Egbewole made the remarks when he hosted journalists and other stakeholders at the Iftar (breaking of fast) organised by the institution.

He commended journalists for their consistent support and constructive engagement with the university, describing the media as indispensable partners in the institution’s progress.

“Our relationship with the media has continued to grow stronger over time. Members of the press remain critical stakeholders whose contributions have helped to sustain the reputation and development of the University of Ilorin,” he said.

Egbewole appreciated the journalists for honouring the invitation despite their busy schedules, noting that their presence reflected their commitment to the enduring partnership between the university and the media.

He described iftar as a moment of unity, reflection and gratitude during Ramadan, expressing optimism that the annual engagement would continue to deepen mutual understanding and cooperation among stakeholders within the university community.

In a sermon, the deputy chief Imam of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Musa  Abdullahi, reminded Muslims of the spiritual purpose of fasting, urging the faithful to use the sacred period to strengthen their relationship with Allah.

He explained that fasting was ordained by Allah to nurture piety and deepen faith among believers.

“Ramadan is not just about abstaining from food and drink. It is a time for self-discipline, increased prayers, recitation of the Holy Qur’an and seeking forgiveness from Allah,” he said.

He encouraged Muslims to reflect on their spiritual progress during the fasting period and to assess whether their devotion and faith had grown through acts of worship.

Abdullahi also urged the faithful to take advantage of the last 10 days of Ramadan by increasing supplications and engaging more in night prayers.

He advised Muslims to devote more time to spiritual activities and reduce distractions, particularly from social media, in order to fully benefit from the blessings of the holy month.

Special prayers were offered during the event for Nigeria, Kwara State and the University of Ilorin, with participants seeking peace, progress and prosperity for the nation and the institution.

 

 

-Leadership

Continue Reading

Business

Remi Tinubu To Lead Campaign For Local Inventors

Published

on

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, will lead a nationwide campaign to promote local inventions under a programme of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology tagged “Energise Commercialisation.”

The minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh,  disclosed this during a visit to the first lady at the State House, Abuja.

According to a statement by her media aide, Busola Kukoyi, the minister said the visit was to inform her of the ministry’s decision to have her serve as the champion of the Energise Commercialisation Programme.

He explained that the initiative aims to move Nigeria from a technology-importing nation to a technology-innovating nation.

According to the minister, the programme will strengthen the capabilities of youths, particularly those who have commercially viable inventions and innovations.

Udeh said the programme has already commenced sensitisation efforts and will be taken across all states of the federation, led by the First Lady.

He added that the ministry plans to reach people across different segments of society in order to identify innovative ideas and inventions.

“We will be going to schools, at all levels, nooks and crannies of the states, to reach even the unlettered that have such inventions and innovations. We have the brains, and we will be helping them achieve their goals,” he said.

“Nigeria cannot be left out of the world technology revolution.”

The minister noted that the meeting with the First Lady, held behind closed doors, signals the imminent commencement of the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology’s Energise Commercialisation programme, with youths and women predominantly targeted.

 

 

-Leadership

Continue Reading

Trending