The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Future of work

  • HumanifyAI: Why HR must lead the Ethical use of AI in the Workplace

    HumanifyAI: Why HR must lead the Ethical use of AI in the Workplace

    • By Abiodun Emiola Alabi

    As we celebrate the International Day of Human Resources 2025, the theme HumanifyAI urges us to pause and reflect on a powerful truth: while Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming how we work, it must never override why we work, for people.

    In today’s fast-evolving digital world, AI is embedded across HR functions, from talent acquisition and onboarding to performance tracking and employee engagement. However, with the rise of intelligent tools comes a rising concern:
    Can we ensure that AI tools are used responsibly, ethically, and with human-centered intent?

    Humanifying AI begins with HR


    To HumanifyAI is to build systems that prioritize empathy, ethics, and emotional intelligence. It means choosing to lead with values even as we lean into innovation.

    No other department understands the intersection between people and policy like HR. That’s why HR must be at the forefront of conversations about the safe, inclusive, and ethical deployment of AI tools in the workplace.

    What’s at stake without Ethical Oversight?

    AI can optimize performance, yes. But left unchecked, it can also create harm:
    Unconscious bias in recruitment algorithms

    Over-monitoring of employee activity, risking privacy violations

    Lack of transparency in AI decision-making

    Regulatory exposure due to improper handling of data

    Overreliance on machines, reducing human judgment in critical decisions

    These are no longer hypothetical risks. They are workplace realities, and they fall squarely within HR’s domain.

    A New Mandate for HR leaders


    Through my AI for HER webinars and HR Automation Bootcamps, I’ve seen firsthand that HR professionals are eager to adopt AI. But many still lack clear frameworks for ethical implementation.
    Here’s where we must act:
    Define and implement ethical AI policies aligned with labor laws and local regulations

    Educate staff about the dangers of sharing sensitive company data with open AI tools

    Promote digital responsibility by offering AI literacy and training across all levels

    Audit AI-assisted decisions to ensure fairness, equity, and inclusion

    Read Also: Appeal Court dismisses CBN’s objection to N63.7m, $10000 awarded unlawfully detained German

    Protect data and people by balancing automation with human judgment

    When HR leads with integrity, AI becomes a tool for progress, not a source of conflict.

    This is HR’s moment


    The HumanifyAI theme is not just timely, it’s transformational. It signals that HR is evolving. We’re no longer back-office administrators. We are strategic change agents, culture architects, and now, guardians of responsible AI use.

    The future of work is not just about automation. It’s about augmented humanity.

    Let us embrace this moment. Let us lead the charge to ensure AI in the workplace respects human dignity, protects organizational privacy, and empowers employees, not just processes.

    Final Thought


    This International Day of HR is more than a celebration. It’s a global call to action.
    Let’s HumanifyAI, not just for compliance, but for compassion.
    Not just for efficiency, but for equity.
    Not just for today, but for the future we’re building.

    • Abiodun Emiola Alabi is a Strategic HR Professional and AI Educator. She leads Feat Business Consult, a tech-driven HR firm, and also runs a Virtual HR Operations Agency that provides fractional HR services to help startups scale and grow. Through her AI for HER Webinar and HR Automation Bootcamp, she equips HR professionals and business owners with the tools to adopt AI ethically. She is the author of AI-Powered 250 Prompts for HR, and the founder of the Motherhood NG Initiative

  • Future of work: Academics, officials discuss internationalisation

    By Jane Chijioke

     

    With the fourth industrial revolution fast redefining all aspects of the human life, the need for the country to reposition its education system to meet the demands of the times came under scrutiny at the First International Week of the University of Lagos ( UNILAG).

    It was a platform for cross fertilisation of ideas between academics and policy makers on how tertiary education can leverage opportunities provided by globalisation to remain relevant and competitive.

    Education Minister, Mallam Adamu Adamu, said at the event, which had as theme: “Education in a connected world”, that internationalisation of university education through linkages, partnerships and collaborations could help to maintain quality and relevance.

    “Universities, must now more than ever, take deliberate measures to key into available opportunities for linkages and cooperation with their foreign counterparts, if they are to remain globally competitive as countries can no longer act alone.  Our institutions of higher learning must out of necessity demonstrate those attributes that make them truly international entities,” he said.

    Adamu, who was represented by the Director, Directorate of the Executive Secretary’s Office, National Universities Commission (NUC), Chris Maiyaki noted that poor global ranking of Nigerian universities, absence of Directorates of Internationalisation, untapped roles of alumni, including those in diaspora as well as the poor synergy among universities were the thrust of a two-day retreat organised by the NUC to seek solutions and also encouraging innovation among Nigeria universities.

    The Minister of Communication, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami in his address titled: “Future of education and work in the fourth industrial revolution in Nigeria”, explained that educators, schools, government officials and parents must rethink education to prepare the next generation for the increasing technological change.

    The Minister, who was represented by the Managing Director, Nigerian Communication Satellite (NIGCOMSAT), Dr Abimbola Helen Alale, warned teachers to stop limiting students’ curiosity by restricting them to only what they are taught in class.

    “It is very wrong. It is not good for today’s learning. Allow students to practice their curiosity, problem solving skills, inquisitiveness and the iterations of failure.  Schools need to provide learning environments that will enable students to be creators using a wide variety of physical and digital tools. Also, rather than teachers distilling information to students that they then memorise, teachers should become guides to help students facilitate their own learning and lines of inquiry,” he said.

    Read Also: Education Ministry, NGO partner on literacy

    The Registrar, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof Is-haq Oloyede, also stressed the need for  the reformation of the tertiary education.

    “If you look at what is going on in some developed countries in the world today, people are no longer interested in higher education. They are losing interest in higher education because of the irrelevance that higher education is becoming to their personal and career development.

    “Many people hold certificates without jobs. Then questions have to be asked. Should we continue to acquire certificates that are of no use?  Even when you talk about education for personal development, are there no other avenues of acquiring skills, attitudes that would be useful for the world without going to the university?  So, this is why universities should continue to re-examine themselves and be relevant to the emerging market.” he added.

    UNILAG Vice Chancellor, Prof Oluwatoyin Ogundipe noted that education had become interconnected and the programme provided a platform of networking geared towards making both students and members of staff of the university globally competitive.  He added that the university would engage more in demand-driven researches and also encourage students to be innovative.