Technology

The International Monetary Fund and the World Bank have warned that artificial intelligence could worsen unemployment in Nigeria and other developing countries if urgent steps are not taken to prepare workers for the technology. Speaking at the IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings in Bangkok, Thailand, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva described AI as a “slow-moving tsunami,” warning that about 40 per cent of jobs worldwide could be affected, downgraded or eliminated by the technology. World Bank President Ajay Banga says AI should be used to improve productivity and create jobs rather than simply replace workers. He highlighted its potential in agriculture and healthcare, including helping farmers identify crop diseases and supporting frontline health workers. The World Bank also identifies Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa as leading centres of AI activity in Africa, but warns that unreliable electricity, poor internet access and limited digital skills could slow adoption. Meanwhile, the Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions has raised similar concerns, saying workers are already losing jobs to robotic technology. The association is urging workers to develop digital and AI skills to remain relevant in the changing workplace.

Three scientists have won the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discoveries that have transformed the study and control of nerve cells in the living brain. Karl Deisseroth of Stanford University in the United States, Peter Hegemann of Humboldt University of Berlin and Georg Nagel of the University of Würzburg in Germany were jointly awarded the prize. They were recognised for their discoveries involving light-gated ion channels and optogenetics, a technique that uses light to control nerve-cell activity. The breakthrough began with research into how a single-celled alga responds to light, leading to the discovery of a protein called channelrhodopsin. Deisseroth later applied the discovery to neuroscience, using blue light to activate nerve cells in living mice. The Nobel Assembly said optogenetics has become an important tool for studying how the brain controls memories, emotions and behaviour. Researchers are also exploring the technology for treating neurological and psychiatric conditions and potentially restoring sight in people with visual impairment.

The National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, has warned Nigerians against sharing sensitive personal information on artificial intelligence platforms. The agency, in an advisory on the safe use of AI platforms, cautioned users against uploading details such as NIN and BVN numbers, bank information, photographs and medical records. NITDA said many Nigerians now use AI tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Copilot and Meta AI for schoolwork, business, job applications, health questions and personal matters. It warned that information entered into AI platforms may be stored or logged outside the user’s control, creating risks of data breaches, identity theft, impersonation and financial fraud. The agency also cautioned that AI-generated responses may sometimes be inaccurate or outdated, particularly on health, legal, financial and academic matters. NITDA advised users to anonymise sensitive information before using AI tools, check the platforms’ privacy and data-handling policies, and avoid uploading confidential documents without proper authorisation.

A Nigerian software programmer, Olaniran Taiwo Sikiru, has won silver at the High-Tech Championship in Veliky Novgorod, Russia. Sikiru finished second in the Quality Control Specialist for Transport Logistics Processes category, becoming part of Nigeria’s first-ever delegation to the international competition. He was accompanied by his mentor and technical expert, Ojetimi Abdulfatai, who supported him throughout the championship. The event, held from September 14 to 18, brought together more than 15,000 participants from 30 countries and all 89 regions of Russia. The competition featured 20 high-tech disciplines focused on professional skills and technologies shaping industries including transportation and logistics. Sikiru’s second-place finish marks Nigeria’s debut at the championship and could open opportunities for more Nigerian professionals to participate in future editions.