Nigerian Tech Expert Announces Career Shift Amid AI Job Market Concerns
A prominent Nigerian tech enthusiast, Tosin Olugbenga, has ignited widespread discussion online after revealing his decision to transition from software engineering to financial engineering. Olugbenga cited his vision of artificial intelligence profoundly altering the technology employment landscape in the near future as the primary motivation for this significant career change.
Tech Enthusiast's Warning on AI's Impact
In a detailed post on the social media platform X, Olugbenga urged professionals within the tech sector to broaden their skill sets rather than remaining specialized in a single area. He emphasized that clinging to traditional roles like "developer" or "designer" without adaptation could be risky. Olugbenga stated that his foresight into AI's disruptive potential led him to enroll in a Master of Science program in Financial Engineering, with plans to pursue a Chartered Financial Analyst certification afterward.
He elaborated, "If you like, die on the hill on being a 'developer' or 'designer' and every tech, don't pivot quickly. Or rather expand your scope of expertise. I saw the future, reason I enrolled in an MSc Financial Engineering program. After I will get CFA and become a Finance Bro. It was a good ride as a tech bro."
Debate Over AI's Role in Job Security
Olugbenga further contested a common assertion that AI tools would only replace workers unfamiliar with them. He argued that both skilled and unskilled professionals face escalating job insecurity due to advancing automation. In a pointed response, he remarked, "AI will not take the job of those who knows how to use AI. I laugh in Claude code. Whether you know or you don't know how to use AI, you work or job is under threat daily. If you like be up to date with everything AI coming out daily, you will still not be spared. Anyone can be replaced anytime."
Mixed Reactions from Online Community
Olugbenga's comments have sparked a vigorous debate among tech professionals and social media users, with diverse opinions emerging. Some users expressed skepticism about his career move, suggesting that financial roles might be equally vulnerable to automation. For instance, one user commented, "And by your estimation AI won't be a better Financial or Quant Engineer than you given the massive amount of financial data it has ingested? Financial professionals are even more at risk than tech bro."
Others defended the tech industry's resilience, noting its continued growth and demand. A user argued, "Well, I disagree with you. The global software market is projected to exceed $1 trillion+ this decade. AI didn't shrink tech. It expanded it. Pivot if you want. But tech isn't a dying industry. Software development remains one of the most in-demand skills globally."
Additional perspectives highlighted broader job market risks, with one individual stating, "Everyone is at risk sir. Except the Plumbers and Masons, Rig workers and Construction Engineers. Reason why I'm enrolling for an MEP Training to master MEP in Construction. Thank God my Mechanical Certificate is good."
Context on AI's Influence in Education
This discussion coincides with reports of AI's growing role in academic settings. For example, a Nigerian student recently shared her struggles with a final-year project, noting that even with AI assistance, the task remained challenging. She questioned how previous generations managed such work without modern AI tools, underscoring the technology's pervasive impact across various fields.
Overall, Tosin Olugbenga's career pivot highlights ongoing concerns about artificial intelligence's transformative effects on employment, prompting critical conversations about adaptability and future-proofing careers in an increasingly automated world.
