Osinbajo Urges Ethical Use of Technology, Data in Workplace Transformation
Former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has called on human resource professionals and policymakers to ensure that technology and data are used to empower people rather than control them, emphasizing the need for ethical responsibility in the fast-changing world of work.
Osinbajo made the call at the closing ceremony of the 57th International Conference and Exhibition of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) held in Abuja. His remarks were contained in a statement signed by the President and Chairman of the Governing Council of CIPM, Ahmed Gobiri, and issued on Saturday.
“Data should serve as a tool of empowerment, not control,” Osinbajo said, stressing that artificial intelligence (AI) has redefined global work systems. “The future of work is already here, shaped by rapid digital transformation and our youthful population. We must continue to reskill and upskill to seize the opportunities of this new world.”
Commending the CIPM for its leadership in advancing human resource practice in Nigeria, Osinbajo noted that the institute had become a vital voice in promoting innovation anchored on ethical principles.
His comments come amid growing global debate over the ethical implications of AI, automation, and data-driven management systems. Experts warn that while digital tools can boost productivity, they also risk job losses, privacy violations, and workplace surveillance if not properly regulated.
With Nigeria’s large youth population, Osinbajo said the nation must balance technological progress with human-centered policies that protect workers’ rights and dignity.
“The ethical and responsible use of technology is critical. HR professionals must lead by developing clear policies to guide AI adoption,” he stated, urging updates to labour laws to reflect new workplace realities.
Highlighting the human side of work, Osinbajo also called on employers to prioritise mental health, empathy, and inclusive leadership as key enablers of productivity.
“Prioritise employee well-being and mental health. Create a culture of empathy and inclusion to sustain productivity,” he advised.
According to him, “The future of work will not be defined by technology alone, but by how organisations embed human values in its use. People, not technology, will determine the future of work.”
He concluded, “Nigeria’s future will not be written by technology, but by the people empowered to use it with wisdom, empathy, and vision.”
In his remarks, CIPM President Ahmed Gobiri charged participants to apply the knowledge gained from the conference to improve their workplaces.
“Ensure you deploy the insights gained from this conference in your various organisations,” he said, adding that the conference theme, ‘Reimagining the New World of Work’, underscored the need for HR professionals to remain agile and forward-thinking amid rapid global change.
Established in 1968, the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria is the nation’s leading professional body for human resource management. It plays a key role in promoting best practices in people management, developing HR standards, and driving policy reforms to enhance organisational performance and national productivity.
The annual CIPM conference is widely recognised as the largest gathering of HR practitioners in West Africa, bringing together professionals from both the public and private sectors to discuss emerging workplace trends, leadership strategies, and workforce development in a technology-driven era.
