The Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) on Tuesday urged workers to be willing to learn and constantly adapt and drive change in the digital era.
Mr Jide Awe, Chairman, Conferences Committee, NCS made the appeal in Lagos.
Awe said that the nature and world of work was changing rapidly and would continue to do so, hence the need for workers to adapt to change.
“As a major advocate for digital inclusion and development, the NCS notes that the ever changing environment calls for workers to be willing and able to keep learning, constantly adapt and drive change in the digital era.
“Adapting to the digital era will ensure that workers’ labour is safe, fulfilling and rewarding,’’ he said.
Awe advised workers to be aware of some of the negative impacts of technology as some people would lose their jobs because digital technology would be removing labour-intensive industries.
He charged them on the need to develop digital skills and other skills that the machine would not replace or be able to replicate.
Awe also called on workers to embark on research to have an idea of how technology was going as they do not need to be static in their place of work or environment.
“One’s background and experience can be well utilised in this modern environment so that it will not be wasted.
“The knowledge one has about an environment makes him more knowledgeable of that environment and can be useful for the future, as a way of adding value,’’ he said.
Awe also urged government to have policies and be foresighted as the country adopts the digital world and economy.
“We need policies that will help workers to do well because of the challenges that are associated with the digital economy.
“We cannot just sit down and expect everything to be rosy, it might be for the rich or people that have technological understanding but majority do not have an understanding of technology.
“That is why the NCS is calling for inclusion so that when more people have this understanding, they will begin to exploit the digital world,’’ he said.
Awe said that the best way to achieve this was to put in revolutions, policies as regards cyber security that would ensure that workers are not being exploited online.
“Digital inclusion can be disastrous for the world if we are not careful.
“There is need at an early stage while teaching students about computer to let them know the ethical aspect.
“This will ensure that when they have the power in their hands, they will not use it for the wrong purposes,’’ he added.
