Tonye Al Onyanabo | University of Ibadan (original) (raw)

Papers by Tonye Al Onyanabo

This paper examines the potential pathways for Nigeria’s economic system in a post-labor era, dra... more This paper examines the potential pathways for Nigeria’s economic system in a post-labor era, drawing insights from David Shapiro’s theories on post-labor economics. As automation and artificial intelligence (AI) continue to advance, they are poised to transform economic structures globally, including in Nigeria. This transformation presents both opportunities and challenges, particularly in a country heavily reliant on labor-intensive industries.
The study begins by exploring the fundamental shifts in economic structures driven by automation and AI. These technologies have the potential to significantly increase productivity and efficiency, but they also threaten to displace a large portion of the workforce. In Nigeria, where traditional sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and services employ a substantial part of the population, the impact of automation could lead to high unemployment rates if not managed properly.
Drawing on David Shapiro’s theories, the paper delves into the concept of post-labor economics, which advocates for an economic model that reduces dependency on human labor. Shapiro’s work emphasizes the importance of economic agency, time sovereignty, and financial authority, proposing frameworks that can help societies transition smoothly into a post-labor era. The study highlights key strategies such as Universal Basic Income (UBI), job sharing models, and the redefinition of labor to include non-traditional contributions like caregiving and volunteer work.
The paper also discusses the specific challenges Nigeria faces in this transition. These include the current dependency on labor-intensive industries, the lack of infrastructure to support widespread automation, and the socio-economic disparities that could be exacerbated by technological advancements. By examining global examples of automation’s economic impacts in emerging economies, the study draws lessons that can be applied to the Nigerian context.
Finally, the paper recommends strategies to foster a sustainable and inclusive economy in Nigeria. These strategies include implementing UBI to provide a social safety net, encouraging flexible labor policies that value non-traditional work, investing in skills transition programs to reskill displaced workers, and providing incentives for businesses to invest in responsible automation. Through these measures, Nigeria can navigate the challenges of a post-labor economy and ensure that the benefits of technological advancements are widely shared, leading to a more resilient and inclusive economic future.

This research paper delves into the potential impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on workforce... more This research paper delves into the potential impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on workforce displacement in Nigeria and evaluates strategies for mitigating job losses. The study is anchored on Nigeria's National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (NAIS) 2024, which provides a comprehensive framework for leveraging AI's benefits while addressing its challenges. The methodology encompasses a thorough review of existing literature, an in-depth analysis of NAIS, and an evaluation of proposed mitigation strategies. The findings underscore the critical role of education, reskilling, and inclusive policies in minimizing AI-induced job displacement. Education and reskilling programs are essential to equip the workforce with the necessary skills to adapt to new AI-driven job roles. Inclusive policies ensure that the benefits of AI are distributed equitably across different sectors of society, preventing the exacerbation of existing inequalities. The paper also highlights the importance of fostering innovation and entrepreneurship as key strategies for creating new job opportunities. By supporting AI-driven startups and encouraging the development of new business models, Nigeria can harness AI's potential to drive economic growth and job creation. Additionally, the study emphasizes the need for robust data governance frameworks to ensure the ethical and responsible use of AI technologies. The paper concludes with actionable recommendations for policymakers to ensure a balanced approach to AI adoption that fosters economic growth and social equity. These recommendations include investing in digital infrastructure, promoting public-private partnerships, and developing comprehensive AI ethics guidelines. By implementing these strategies, Nigeria can mitigate the risks associated with AI-induced job displacement and create a more resilient and inclusive economy.

This research paper delves into the data privacy measures outlined in Nigeria's National AI Strat... more This research paper delves into the data privacy measures outlined in Nigeria's National AI Strategy (NAIS) and assesses their effectiveness. The study scrutinizes the safeguards designed to protect personal data and evaluates the practical steps taken to ensure these measures are effective. Employing a qualitative research design, the paper conducts a thorough content analysis of the NAIS, juxtaposes it with global best practices, and identifies potential gaps. The findings reveal that while Nigeria's NAIS incorporates comprehensive data privacy measures, certain areas require further enhancement to align with international standards. The paper concludes with actionable recommendations for bolstering data privacy safeguards in Nigeria's AI initiatives, ensuring they meet global benchmarks and effectively protect personal data. The research highlights the importance of robust data privacy frameworks in the context of AI, given the sensitive nature of the data involved. It explores the specific measures proposed by the NAIS, such as data security protocols, user consent mechanisms, and guidelines for data sharing and storage. The effectiveness of these measures is evaluated based on their alignment with principles of data protection, including data minimization, purpose limitation, and user consent. The study also examines the broader implications of data privacy in AI, considering the potential risks and challenges associated with data breaches, misuse of personal information, and the ethical considerations of AI deployment. By comparing Nigeria's approach with international best practices, the paper identifies key areas where improvements are needed to enhance the effectiveness of data privacy measures. Ultimately, this research aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of Nigeria's data privacy safeguards within its National AI Strategy, offering insights and recommendations that can guide policymakers, stakeholders, and researchers in strengthening data privacy protections and ensuring the responsible use of AI.

This paper critically analyzes Nigeria’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (NAIS) with a ... more This paper critically analyzes Nigeria’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (NAIS) with a focus on its localization efforts to address local challenges and adapt AI technologies for Nigeria. The study evaluates the strategy’s effectiveness in leveraging AI to tackle socio-economic issues, enhance public services, and foster sustainable development. Methodologically, the research involves a comprehensive review of the NAIS document, supplemented by secondary data from relevant literature and expert interviews.
The findings reveal that while the strategy outlines ambitious goals and a robust framework, there are significant gaps in implementation, particularly in infrastructure, talent development, and ethical considerations. Specifically, the strategy emphasizes the need for high-performance computing resources and data centers, yet the current infrastructure remains inadequate to support large-scale AI initiatives. Additionally, while there are initiatives to train and retain AI professionals, the talent pool is still insufficient to meet the growing demand. Ethical considerations, such as bias in AI algorithms and data privacy, are addressed in the strategy, but there is a lack of concrete measures to ensure these principles are upheld in practice.
The paper also highlights the socio-economic potential of AI in Nigeria, including its ability to drive economic diversification, improve healthcare delivery, and enhance agricultural productivity. However, these benefits can only be realized if the strategy is effectively localized to address Nigeria’s unique challenges, such as limited internet penetration and high levels of poverty.
In conclusion, the paper provides several recommendations for enhancing the localization of AI technologies to better serve Nigeria’s unique needs. These include investing in infrastructure development, expanding talent development programs, and establishing robust ethical frameworks. By addressing these gaps, Nigeria can harness the transformative power of AI to achieve sustainable development and improve the quality of life for its citizens.
Keywords
• Artificial Intelligence
• Localization
• Nigeria
• National Strategy
• Socio-economic Development
• Infrastructure
• Ethical AI

This research paper provides a comprehensive evaluation of the potential economic impacts of Nige... more This research paper provides a comprehensive evaluation of the potential economic impacts of Nigeria's National AI Strategy, which was unveiled in August 2024. The strategy is designed to position Nigeria as a leading hub for artificial intelligence (AI) innovation within Africa, with farreaching implications for the nation's economic development. By examining the strategy's influence across various economic sectors, this paper draws on comparative analyses with global research on AI's impact in developing countries. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, integrating both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. This includes an in-depth analysis of how the AI strategy might affect critical sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, finance, and education. Through this multifaceted evaluation, the paper aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the strategy's potential to drive economic growth and transformation. The findings reveal that while Nigeria's National AI Strategy presents substantial opportunities for enhancing productivity, fostering innovation, and stimulating economic growth, several challenges persist. These challenges are particularly evident in areas related to implementation and scalability. The paper identifies key barriers such as infrastructural deficits, skill gaps, and regulatory hurdles that need to be addressed to fully realize the strategy's potential. In light of these findings, the paper offers targeted recommendations to optimize the impact of the AI strategy. These recommendations include enhancing digital infrastructure, investing in AI education and training programs, and developing robust regulatory frameworks to ensure ethical and sustainable AI deployment. By addressing these critical areas, Nigeria can better harness the transformative power of AI to achieve its economic development goals.

This paper explores the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in Nigeria's edu... more This paper explores the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in Nigeria's educational sector, examining both the prospects and challenges associated with its implementation. The study leverages qualitative data from existing literature, case studies from other developing countries, and expert interviews with educators, policymakers, and technologists in Nigeria. The research provides an in-depth analysis of current AI applications in education, such as adaptive learning systems, automated administrative tools, and intelligent tutoring systems, highlighting their impact on learning outcomes and administrative efficiency. Findings from this study indicate that AI has significant potential to revolutionize Nigeria's education system by personalizing learning experiences, improving student engagement, and streamlining administrative processes. However, several challenges hinder its widespread adoption. These include inadequate infrastructure, limited funding, poor internet connectivity, and resistance to technological change among educators and policymakers. The study concludes with a set of recommendations aimed at fostering an AI-driven educational transformation in Nigeria. These recommendations include increased funding for educational technology, the development of comprehensive training programs for educators, policy reforms to support AI integration, and the promotion of public-private partnerships to mobilize resources and expertise. By addressing these challenges and implementing the suggested recommendations, Nigeria can harness the full potential of AI to enhance educational outcomes and bridge existing disparities.

The proliferation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies in various sectors has raised prof... more The proliferation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies in various sectors has raised profound ethical concerns regarding bias, privacy, and accountability. This paper examines these ethical implications, explores current regulatory and ethical frameworks, and proposes strategies to foster responsible AI development. Through a comprehensive literature review and analysis of case studies, the study identifies critical ethical challenges and emphasizes the importance of proactive ethical guidelines to mitigate risks. The findings underscore the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and regulatory oversight to ensure AI innovations are ethically sound and beneficial to society.

This paper examines the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance microfinance operati... more This paper examines the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance microfinance operations in developing economies, where significant portions of the population remain unbanked or underbanked. The study investigates how AI-driven technologies can address operational challenges in microfinance and identifies both the opportunities and barriers to their implementation. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, including qualitative data from industry expert interviews published in newspapers and credible publications, and quantitative data from financial reports sourced online, the research highlights the positive impact of AI on microfinance services' accessibility, affordability, and efficiency. However, it also points out significant challenges such as technological infrastructure deficits, regulatory hurdles, and privacy concerns. The findings suggest that while AI offers promising avenues for enhancing microfinance operations, strategic interventions are required to overcome existing obstacles. Recommendations for policymakers and financial institutions are provided, emphasizing the need for robust regulatory frameworks and investment in digital infrastructure.

This paper examines the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance financial inclusion ... more This paper examines the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance financial inclusion in Nigeria, where a significant portion of the population remains unbanked or underbanked. The study investigates how AI-driven technologies can address financial inclusion challenges and identifies both the opportunities and barriers to their implementation. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, including qualitative data from industry expert interviews published in newspapers and credible publications, and quantitative data from financial reports sourced online, the research highlights the positive impact of AI on financial services accessibility, affordability, and efficiency. However, it also points out significant challenges such as technological infrastructure deficits, regulatory hurdles, and privacy concerns. The findings suggest that while AI offers promising avenues for enhancing financial inclusion, strategic interventions are required to overcome existing obstacles. Recommendations for policymakers and financial institutions are provided, emphasizing the need for robust regulatory frameworks and investment in digital infrastructure.

Festivals are an essential aspect of Yorùbá culture. For worshipers of deities like Oranmiyan and... more Festivals are an essential aspect of Yorùbá culture. For worshipers of deities like Oranmiyan and other Yorùbá pantheon gods known collectively as the òrìsà, festivals serve as a connector of the social world of the Yorùbá to the unseen world. The Yoruba pantheon consists of hundreds of gods, worshiped for an immense variety of purposes, each representative of some natural or spiritual element or human emotion. Some gods existed before the creation of the earth and others are heroes or heroines from the past that became gods after their deaths. Other gods are natural objects in their environment such as mountains, hills and rivers that have influenced people's lives and cultural history. Important to the Yoruba religion are storytelling and the journey of life, and these are connected to many sacred rituals.

ALAPANSANPA: An essay on Yoruba egungun

Generally, these traditions are oral rather than scriptural, include belief in a supreme creator,... more Generally, these traditions are oral rather than scriptural, include belief in a supreme creator, belief in spirits, veneration of the dead, use of magic, and traditional medicine. The role of humanity is generally seen as one of harmonizing nature with the supernatural.

Hannibal Barca, the son of Hamilcar Barca has been described by several Classical and modern auth... more Hannibal Barca, the son of Hamilcar Barca has been described by several Classical and modern authors as one of the greatest war strategists who ever lived. He fought and won several battles against the Roman State which at the time was the superpower in Italy and her environs. In spite of Hannibal’s skills and strategies, Carthage could not annihilate Rome. This paper aims to examine the rationale that instigated Hannibal’s failure to deal a decisive and crushing blow on the Roman State. The paper argues that the Carthaginian government’s unresponsiveness towards Hannibal caused his failure. It continues to state that because Carthage refused to nurture and maintain the offensive realism stance, she was not motivated to consolidate Hannibal’s victories in once allied territories of Rome now subdued by Hannibal; Carthage was also not motivated to send troops and resources to Hannibal which he needed to deal a crushing defeat on Rome.
Consequently, Hannibal’s failures translated to Carthage’s doom. Thus, in 202 BC, Hannibal was defeated by Scipio Africanus. And again, after the Third Punic War of 149-146 BC, Carthage was destroyed and razed to the ground by Rome. Further studies that may examine Rome’s strategies and tactics against enemy states are recommended.
Keywords: Hannibal, Carthage, Rome, unresponsiveness, failure.

ALAPANSANPA: An essay on Yoruba egungun