The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) has called for the responsible adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI), emphasizing the need to balance innovation with ethics, accountability, and human-centered values. This call was made during an academic conference organized in collaboration with the Department of Employment Relations and Human Resource Management at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), under the theme 'Artificial Intelligence in Academia, Industry and Government: Navigating Ethics, Innovation and Impact'.
Keynote Addresses Highlight AI's Transformative Potential
Speaking at the event, President and Chairman of the Governing Council of CIPM, Ahmed Gobir, stressed that the conversation around AI should shift from whether it will transform society to how stakeholders can guide the transformation responsibly. He warned that innovation without ethics and technology without accountability can be dangerous, urging organizations to ensure human dignity, fairness, transparency, inclusion, and responsibility remain central to AI adoption. Gobir noted that organizations thrive not because of advanced technology, but because they have the right people with the right skills, mindset, and values.
Delivering the keynote address, Professor Sunday Adebisi of UNILAG described AI as the world's new infrastructure, evolving beyond a workplace tool to shape learning, production, governance, and communication. While acknowledging AI's opportunities, he warned that Africa faces challenges such as inadequate digital infrastructure, ICT skills gaps, regulatory concerns, ethical issues, and disparities in technology access. If unaddressed, these could worsen employment concerns across the continent.
Responsible Integration of AI
Another keynote speaker, Henry Onukuba of CIPM, described AI as one of the most transformative developments of the modern era, capable of revolutionizing service delivery, productivity, and access to knowledge. He argued that the critical issue is integrating AI responsibly without compromising fairness, accountability, public trust, and human dignity. Onukwuba highlighted AI's potential to democratize access to education and bridge information gaps, enabling students in remote communities to access the same information as those in urban centers. He also noted that AI-powered learning environments could address faculty shortages in Nigerian universities and improve educational outcomes. He stated, 'AI will not take over your job. Your job will be taken over by someone who knows how to work smarter and more effectively with AI.'
Collaboration Among Academia, Industry, and Government
Chairman of the Academic Conference and Head of the Department of Employment Relations and Human Resource Management at UNILAG, Professor Oluseyi Shadare, described the conference theme as timely and relevant given the rapid advancements of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. He noted that AI creates opportunities for innovation, competitiveness, and knowledge creation, but also raises concerns about employment displacement, privacy, inequality, and responsible technology use. Addressing these challenges requires stronger collaboration among academia, industry, and government to build AI systems that are innovative, transparent, fair, and human-centered.
Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences, Professor Abdul-Hameed Sulaimon, who represented the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, commended CIPM and the Department for organizing the conference and urged participants to apply the lessons learned in their organizations and institutions.
Recognition of Outstanding Research
The conference also recognized outstanding research contributions. Out of 47 abstracts submitted, 38 papers advanced to full paper presentation after a rigorous review process. Dr. Aramide Kuforiji emerged as the overall best researcher, while Professor Sam Bodunrin and Dr. Ifeanyi Enukorah secured second and third positions, respectively. The awards underscored the conference's commitment to promoting academic excellence, innovation, research integrity, and evidence-based contributions to advancing human resource management and the future of work.
