ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-A former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has called on human resource experts and policymakers to ensure that technology and data are applied in ways that empower individuals rather than control them, emphasising the importance of ethical responsibility in the continuously changing work environment.
In a statement signed by the President and Chairman of the Governing Council of CIPM, Ahmed Gobiri, and released on Saturday following the close of the 57th International Conference and Exhibition of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria in Abuja, Osinbajo stated, “Data should serve as a tool of empowerment, not control.”
He added, “AI has transformed everything about the world. The future of work is already here, shaped by rapid digital transformation and our youthful population. We must continue to reskill and upskill to meet the opportunities of the new world of work.”
READ ALSO:Africa Pays The Highest Price For Global Climate Crisis – Osinbanjo
The former vice president also applauded CIPM “for the giant strides it has made over the years in regulating people management practice in Nigeria,” stressing that the institute has become a key voice in ensuring that innovation and ethics go hand in hand.
Osinbajo’s position comes amid heightened global conversations about the ethical consequences of artificial intelligence, automation, and data-driven systems in workplaces.
Analysts have warned that while digital innovation can boost productivity, it also carries risks of job loss, privacy violations, and excessive monitoring if not properly guided.
Nigeria, which has one of the world’s largest youth populations, faces a critical challenge in harmonising technological growth with people-focused policies.
His renewed emphasis on ethical responsibility in the digital space aligns with ongoing efforts to ensure that innovation supports human development rather than undermining it.
Commenting on the ethical side of technology, Osinbajo encouraged HR professionals to set up strong policies to guide the responsible use of AI and data.
“The ethical and responsible use of technology is critical. HR must ensure this by creating clear guidelines to regulate AI,” he said.
He also advocated for reforms in labour laws to reflect emerging workplace realities.
Speaking on the importance of the human aspect of work, Osinbajo appealed to employers to prioritise mental well-being, empathy, and inclusive leadership as major drivers of productivity.
“Prioritise employee well-being and mental health. Create a culture of empathy and inclusion to maintain productivity,” he said.
According to him, “The future of work will not be determined by technology alone, but by how organisations integrate human values into their deployment, a goal HR professionals are at the forefront of achieving. People, not technology, will determine the new world of work.”
“Nigeria’s future will not be written by technology, but by the people empowered to use it with wisdom, empathy and vision,” he concluded.
In his remarks, the President and Chairman of the Governing Council of CIPM, Ahmed Gobir, encouraged participants to translate the knowledge gained from the conference into practical outcomes at their various workplaces.
“Ensure you deploy the knowledge you gained from the conference in your various places of work,” he said.
He noted that the conference theme, “Reimagining the New World of Work”,
emphasised the importance of HR professionals remaining adaptive and forward-thinking in addressing rapid shifts in workplace dynamics.
Established in 1968, the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria is the country’s pioneer professional association for human resources.
It plays a significant role in advancing best practices in people management, setting HR standards, and driving policy engagement to enhance organisational performance and national productivity.
The annual conference is considered the largest gathering of HR professionals in West Africa, bringing together leaders from both the public and private sectors to explore new workplace trends, leadership approaches, and workforce development strategies in a tech-driven era.