Obaro, SystemSpecs Boss Says AI, Robots Will Disrupt Human Resource Profession in Nigeria

John Obaro, founder and group managing director, SystemSpecs Holdings, has highlighted how emerging automated technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics will disrupt the Human Resource (HR) profession in Nigeria.

John Obaro

He stated this while addressing a gathering of Human Resource Managers at the investiture of Olusegun Mojeed (FCIPM), the incoming president of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM), at the Oriental Hotel Lagos recently.

Artificial intelligence involves the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems while robots are automated machines that can execute specific tasks with little or no human intervention and with speed and precision.

AI and robotics have found application in several areas, including in medicine, agriculture, manufacturing, military activities, and even household activities.

According to the technology tycoon, who is the Founder and Group Managing Director of African technology giant, SystemSpecs Holdings, AI is already a present reality in Nigeria and is set to further impact several human endeavours including HR.

He emphasised that there are fears that the penetration of AI and robotics in Nigeria will lead to loss of jobs in an economy currently with over 23 million currently unemployed.

“However, with innovation, creativity and the ability to adapt, AI will complement humans rather than replace them”, he said.

Obaro, therefore, advised HR professionals to prepare themselves to adapt to this imminent change by developing skills that will enable them to adopt automated systems to enhance their work. This requires learning and adopting the technology itself.

“If you ignore robots, they will ignore you,” said Obaro.

“The HR technology landscape will continue to be disrupted. Therefore, HR practitioners need to start thinking of better ways to advance their skills and strategies. The robots are here. Are you ready?”