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News_Naija

Job Opportunities In AI Field

Artificial Intelligence is unlocking a wave of new career paths across industries, creating high demand for skilled professionals, JUSTICE OKAMGBA writes. The demand for AI professionals has surged in recent years and is expected to grow as AI continues transforming industries. The global AI market is projected to expand from $150 bn in 2023 to over $1.3 trn by 2030, driving increased demand for skilled workers, according to research from MarketsandMarkets. In 2023, job postings requiring AI skills rose over 200 per cent compared to 2022, with specialised fields like generative AI seeing a 450 per cent increase. Machine learning engineer PhD holder in Artificial Intelligence, Marcin Chady, described machine learning engineering as one of the most foundational roles in the field. “You basically sit in front of the computer and think long and hard about statistics and linear algebra, trying different learning models and testing them,” Chady said. Digital marketing expert Ahmad Tayyab said this role involves designing and developing machine learning models and algorithms. “It includes tasks such as data preprocessing, model training, and deployment,” he said. Data scientist The explosion of data across industries has made data science an essential part of AI development. “Data scientists use statistical methods and machine learning techniques to analyse and interpret complex data,” Tayyab said. “They help organisations make data-driven decisions.” Quora writer Adeel Ahmad also identified data science as one of the core AI jobs available. “It’s all about uncovering insights from vast datasets,” he said. AI research scientist “AI research scientists are advancing the field through experimentation and innovation,” said Tayyab. “They often work on the underlying algorithms and frameworks that power AI systems.” Ahmad noted that this role is ideal for individuals who enjoy developing cutting-edge techniques and pushing the boundaries of what AI can do. AI Engineer Combining technical implementation with software integration, the AI engineer’s job is to build functional systems. “AI engineers integrate machine learning models into real-world software and hardware solutions,” said Tayyab. “They ensure that AI capabilities are embedded in products in a scalable way.” Computer vision engineer Computer vision, which enables machines to ‘see’ and understand images and videos, is becoming increasingly important across sectors. “These engineers develop algorithms that interpret and process visual information,” said Tayyab. “From self-driving cars to medical imaging, the applications are endless.” Ahmad highlighted that engineers in this field work closely with deep learning tools to train systems that can detect, classify, and respond to visual stimuli. Natural language processing engineer Another growing area is natural language processing—enabling machines to understand and generate human language. “This includes working on tasks such as language translation, sentiment analysis, and conversational agents like chatbots,” Tayyab explained. According to Ahmad, NLP engineers focus on the human-AI language interface. “They make machines capable of understanding and communicating using human text,” he said. Robotics engineer AI’s role in robotics is giving rise to a new wave of opportunities, especially in automation and hardware integration. “Robotics engineers figure out how to apply the latest materials and electronic components to make things move and sense the environment,” said Chady. Tayyab added that these professionals build autonomous systems and design robots capable of performing complex tasks with minimal human input. AI product manager While not purely technical, the role of an AI product manager is crucial for ensuring that AI systems meet user needs. “Product managers oversee development from conception to launch,” Tayyab said. “They balance user feedback, technical limitations, and business goals.” This role is particularly important in startups and tech firms, where the line between technical and strategic work often blurs. AI ethicist With great power comes great responsibility—and that includes the ethical implications of AI systems. “As AI becomes more influential, we need professionals who ensure its fair and responsible use,” said a computer scientist, Glenn Riley. “AI ethicists work on bias detection, transparency, and privacy.” Tayyab noted that these specialists are also involved in policy and governance, helping shape the rules that guide AI development. Big data engineer Data is the lifeblood of AI, and managing it requires specialised skills. “Big data engineers process and manage large datasets that are crucial for training AI models,” said Tayyab. “They ensure the data infrastructure supports AI operations effectively.” Ahmad noted that these roles often overlap with cloud computing and storage technologies. AI consultant For organisations looking to adopt AI, consultants play a vital role in helping them navigate the transition. “AI consultants provide strategic guidance on how to implement AI tools, optimise processes, and identify areas of opportunity,” said Riley. According to Tayyab, consultants bridge the gap between business needs and technical solutions, making them valuable across all industries. AI trainer and assessor Less discussed but equally important are those who train AI models and assess their performance. “AI systems require curated datasets to learn effectively,” said Riley. “Trainers prepare these datasets while assessors evaluate the models’ accuracy and fairness.” These roles are especially relevant in companies focused on improving the reliability of AI outputs, including speech recognition and image classification. Virtual and augmented reality developer AI is playing a key role in immersive technologies like virtual and augmented reality. “AI-powered VR and AR are transforming industries like gaming, healthcare, and education,” said Riley. “Developers skilled in both areas are in high demand.” These professionals are responsible for creating immersive environments that respond intelligently to user interactions. Cybersecurity analyst As AI systems become more prevalent, so too do the threats against them. “Cybersecurity analysts ensure that AI systems are secure from vulnerabilities and attacks,” said Riley. “They protect sensitive models and data.” This role is gaining attention amid concerns over deepfakes, model poisoning, and data breaches. AI programmer in video games AI’s influence has also extended into the entertainment sector, particularly gaming. “It’s not really AI, but it’s about making virtual characters behave as if they’re smart,” said Chady. “It’s mostly smoke and mirrors, but the problems are fun and challenging nevertheless.” Conclusion Despite concerns that AI may displace human workers, experts believe the future lies in collaboration between humans and machines. “People worry that AI will take over,” said Lu. “But today’s AI is mostly based on statistics. It learns patterns but can’t think or create. We, as humans, are still far more complex.” Ultimately, the AI job market is expanding—not contracting—offering exciting and varied opportunities for those willing to adapt and learn. “AI may automate certain tasks,” said Riley, “but it also creates demand for jobs that require creativity, critical thinking, and ethical judgement—skills only humans can offer.”

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News_Naija

Platview Partners Thales On Global Cybersecurity

Platview Technologies has been appointed a platinum partner for global cybersecurity giants Thales and Imperva, in a move that reinforces its commitment to delivering top-tier application security and data protection across Africa. The ICT and cybersecurity solutions provider announced the strategic milestone in a statement on Monday, saying the partnership would enable it to further support enterprises and government institutions battling a rising wave of cyber threats. Thales, a global leader in data protection and encryption, and Imperva, a pioneer in application and data security, named Platview a Platinum Partner — their highest recognition for trusted cybersecurity providers. The designation grants Platteview Access to cutting-edge cybersecurity technologies, tools, and resources, equipping it to deliver end-to-end solutions that safeguard sensitive data and secure critical applications. Chief Executive Officer of Platview Technologies, Dapo Salami, said, “Being recognised as a Platinum Partner for both Thales and Imperva is a testament to our expertise in cybersecurity and our commitment to providing innovative solutions that help businesses mitigate risks. “This partnership enables us to empower organisations with advanced security frameworks that align with global best practices to drive cyber resilience through innovation.” Platview Technologies has consistently been at the forefront of helping businesses fortify their digital infrastructure. With a strong focus on application security, encryption, identity and access management, and threat mitigation, Platview enables enterprises to build a resilient security posture against cyberattacks. Through this partnership, organisations will benefit from best-in-class application security, advanced data encryption and protection, and comprehensive risk management. With this strategic alliance, PlatviewTechnologies is further cementing its reputation as a cybersecurity leader, committed to enabling organisations across Africa to thrive in an increasingly digital and security-conscious world.

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News_Naija

Telecom Innovations Driving Surge In Afrobeats Streaming

Telecom companies are playing a pivotal role in boosting Afrobeats’ global reach by enabling mobile-driven music streaming, a music curation executive at Mdundo.com in Nigeria, Ghana, and Cameroon, Uwem Brown, has said. Brown said telecom innovations have reshaped music consumption across Africa, moving it from radio and physical CDs to mobile streaming platforms and social media. “With more than 600 million Africans online and mobile internet usage in West Africa up 35 per cent since 2020, fans can now discover new music instantly,” Brown said in a note shared with The PUNCH. He said this shift has supported the success of artists like Rema and Asake, whose tracks have amassed hundreds of millions of streams globally. According to him, telco partnerships have enabled platforms such as Mdundo to reach over 36 million monthly users as of 2024. “Telco partnerships have allowed local artists to reach millions of listeners without needing major-label backing,” Brown said. He emphasised that these collaborations are not just about increasing numbers but fundamentally changing how music is consumed across the continent. Beyond Afrobeats, Brown highlighted the global rise of other African music genres, such as Amapiano, which originated in South Africa, and the growing influence of rap in Ghana and South Africa. He noted that artists like Kabza De Small, Uncle Waffles, and Tyla are spreading Amapiano worldwide, while stars like Sarkodie, Nasty C, and Black Sherif are pushing the boundaries of African hip-hop. GSMA projects the number of unique mobile subscribers in Africa will rise by 4.5% to 613 million by 2025, as smartphone ownership grows to 61 per cent. Looking ahead, Brown believes Africa’s expanding digital infrastructure will offer even greater opportunities for artists. By 2045, as much as 80 per cent of Africa’s population could be online, transforming the music industry further. “The technology will be there to help artists bypass traditional barriers,” Brown said. “It’s an exciting time for African music, and the best is yet to come.”

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Pope Francis: Humble Reformer Who Stirred The Catholic World

Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, closing a 12-year papacy marked by progressive reforms and sharp opposition from conservative elements within the Catholic Church, writes WALE AKINSELURE If there’s one trait many associate with the late Pope Francis, it’s his ability to stir debate – often with words that challenged long-held doctrines or unsettled conservative voices in the Church. Almost everything he said seemed to spark controversy, particularly for its liberal tone in a traditionally conservative institution. His stance on issues seems to create a liberal progressive, conservative divide that lasted till his death on Monday. The Vatican had on Easter Monday announced the death of Pope Francis, at 88 years, at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta. Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, announced that Pope Francis died at 7.35 am on Monday. His death came hours after he greeted the Catholic faithful who were at the Vatican on Sunday for the Easter mass. The announcement by Cardinal Farrel read, “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. “His entire life was dedicated to serving the Lord and His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalized. “With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.” His demise came 29 days after he was discharged from Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital to continue his recovery at his Vatican residence. Prior to his discharge, Pope Francis spent 38 days in a hospital where he was for a respiratory infection. The Pope was admitted on Friday, February 14, 2025, after suffering from a bout of bronchitis for several days. Pope Francis’ clinical situation gradually worsened, and his doctors diagnosed bilateral pneumonia on Tuesday, February 18. In 1957, in his early 20s, Jorge Mario Bergoglio underwent surgery in his native Argentina to remove a portion of his lung that had been affected by a severe respiratory infection. As he aged, Pope Francis frequently suffered bouts of respiratory illnesses, even cancelling a planned visit to the United Arab Emirates in November 2023 due to influenza and lung inflammation. Unlikely papal choice When Pope Benedict XVI resigned in 2013, few expected the election of the 76-year-old Cardinal from Buenos Aires. He was already 76, living with a part of his lung removed. Bergoglio’s name seemed not to be widely mentioned as the conclave began. But on March 13, 2013, the Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, emerged as Pope Benedict’s successor. His first words spoken from the Central Loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica, to a crowd that had filled St. Peter’s Square for a month were, “And now, we take up this journey: Bishop and People.” To that crowd, the newly elected 76-year-old Pope, chosen by the Cardinal Electors “from the ends of the earth,” asked for a blessing. He wanted to lead a Hail Mary with the people and struggled with the Italian he had not been speaking regularly, given his rare visits to Rome. Upon his election as Pope, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio took up the name Francis of Assisi, a saint’s name associated with concern for the poor. He charmed the world with his humble style. Before being elected Pope, as Archbishop of Buenos Aires, he rode a bus. He denied himself luxuries. He cooked meals for impoverished people. He regularly visited the slums of Buenos Aires. The reason he took the name Francis was because was because he wanted to take the name of a 13th-century saint known for his simplicity. Papacy of many firsts Born in 1936 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he became the first Jesuit to lead the world’s 1.4bn Catholics. He was the first pope from Latin America, the first one to choose the name Francis; the first to be elected with his predecessor still alive; the first to live outside the Apostolic Palace, the first to visit lands never reached before by a pope – from Iraq to Corsica – the first to sign a Declaration on Human Fraternity with one of the highest religious authorities of the Muslim world. He was also the first Pope to establish a Council of Cardinals to govern the Church, assign roles of responsibility to women and lay people in the Curia, initiate a Synod prepared by a worldwide consultation with the people of God, the first one to abolish the pontifical secrecy for sexual abuse cases, and to formally remove the death penalty from the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Pope Francis celebrated Holy Thursday masses in prisons, nursing homes, and reception centres, with a long tour of parishes in the Roman suburbs. He was the first Pope to set foot on the land of Abraham, where John Paul II was unable to go and to have a meeting with the Shiite religious leader Al-Sistani. At the age of 87, he embarked on the longest journey of his pontificate in September 2024: Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and Singapore. For two weeks the Pope travelled through two continents, four time zones and four different worlds, each representing key themes of his magisterium: fraternity and interreligious dialogue, peripheries and climate emergency, reconciliation and faith, wealth and development in service of the poor. Among the Apostolic Journeys and pastoral visits, one cannot forget the first journey outside Rome to the small Italian island of Lampedusa, a site of many migrant tragedies where he threw a wreath of flowers into the Mediterranean, “an open-air cemetery.” In 2019, Pope Francis travelled to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates,  where he co-signed the Document on Human Fraternity with the Grand Imam al-Tayeb, marking the culmination of relations with the Sunni University of Al-Azharand and a cornerstone of Christian-Muslim dialogue, now also incorporated into several documents. During his pontificate, he wrote four Encyclical Letters, the first of which was ‘Lumen Fidei’ on the theme of faith, which he had written with the late Pope Benedict XVI. Pope Francis wrote seven Apostolic Exhortations, starting from the ‘Evangelii Gaudium ‘in 2013 to ‘C’est la Confiance’,   published in 2023 on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the birth of Therese of Lisieux. The role of women in the Church and society was indeed an important concern for Pope Francis. The late Pope entrusted women with important leadership roles more than any previous Pope, established two commissions to study women deacons, and constantly reminded the Church of the feminine “genius” and its maternal dimension. He placed nuns, missionaries, professors, and theologians alongside cardinals and bishops at the tables of the Synod on Synodality, granting them, for the first time, the right to vote. Mission often misunderstood His 12-year reign as Pope was largely misunderstood as Pope Francis had a mission to forge a more open, compassionate vision of the Catholic Church. He wanted to define the legacy of his papacy with this image of the Catholic Church as an open, compassionate and humble institution. His reformist spirit didn’t aim to overthrow tradition but to open dialogue and foster mercy over judgment. Church reform was a central concern throughout his pontificate. He took to heart the recommendations made by the Cardinals during pre-conclave congregations, asking that the future pope restructure the Roman Curia and especially the Vatican’s finances, which had been the centre of scandals for years. A key hallmark of his pontificate was his emphasis on “openness”, though not in the form of dramatic ruptures from tradition or radical leaps forward. Instead, his approach centred on initiating inclusive processes within the Church. This spirit of openness was reflected in several significant pastoral decisions and initiatives. One such example was the more inclusive treatment of divorced and remarried individuals, particularly in their access to the sacraments. Rather than viewing the Eucharist solely as a “nourishment for the perfect” it was reconceptualized as a “medicine for sinners”, embodying a more compassionate and restorative theological stance. Over the years, the Catholic Church has been viewed as largely conservative hence positions of the top hierarchy of the church seem to be viewed in the conservationist prism. For those conservationists, “as it was in the beginning, so it is now and ever shall it be” as far as the Catholic Church is concerned. Some accuse Pope Francis of being too liberal – some going as far as describing him as anti-pope. But there is the argument that the Pope is usually misunderstood by those who already have a certain stoic mindset about his papacy. As a result, his words are usually taken out of context or misinterpreted. While he was Pope, it became a norm for the Vatican to clarify a statement earlier put out by the Pope. But, could it be that the Pope is so vague in his assertions? This inclusive vision extended further, especially in the Church’s evolving approach to LGBTQ+ individuals. A clear call for pastoral closeness and welcome was issued, grounded in the belief that there is a place in the Church for “everyone, everyone, everyone”, as he often repeated. The same idea inspired his unwavering efforts to foster interreligious and ecumenical dialogue, seeking reconciliation and mutual understanding among Christian denominations and other faiths. This effort was often framed through the lens of an “ecumenism of blood,” acknowledging shared suffering and martyrdom across Christian traditions, which served as a unifying force against centuries of prejudice and division. Pope Francis changed the face of the modern papacy by shunning much of its pomp and privilege. That made him an enemy of conservatives nostalgic for a traditional past. He constantly made attempts to create a more inclusive and less judgmental Catholic Church. Pope Francis set out to rid the modern papacy of pomp and to make it more inclusive. His informal style and simplicity alienated many conservatives but endeared him to millions of Catholics. He faced issues of sex abuse crimes by the clergy and how to restore credibility to a damaged Catholic Church. Conservatives were perceived as unhappy with Francis’s informal style and his allergy to pomp. He had a simplicity that endeared him to millions. His stance that the church should be more welcoming to LGBTQ, whom he called children of God and divorced Catholics, faced opposition. He also clamped down on the traditional Latin mass, further raising eyebrows. Other issues he faced were allowing women and Muslims to take part in Holy Thursday, which until then was restricted to Catholic men. Pope Francis also deemed capital punishment deemed inadmissible. This is as he attacked the arms industry and called for the abolition of nuclear weapons. Under his papacy, more women took senior Vatican roles but not as many as progressives wanted. He invited Bishops to a summit, in 2019, making them accountable for sexual abuse or for covering it up. He abolished Pontifical secrecy for abuse cases, a declaration some viewed as an aberration. He particularly spoke out for refugees and countries that shunned migrants and criticized countries that shunned migrants. He was a liberal progressive Pope facing opposition from hard-line conservatives and President Donald Trump’s administration. Pope was considered a liberal progressive Pope hence attracting the ire of the Catholic conservative, even Cardinals, supposed his closest collaborators. In 2017, he spoke against those he called unnamed traitors, accusing them of holding back his institutional reform of the Catholic Church. He also alienated Christian conservatives with his criticism of things like capitalism, climate change, and open arms policy to migrants, and homosexuals. The Pope never made any secret of his disagreement with the Trump administration when it came to the treatment of migrants. His very first visit outside of Rome in 2013 was to the Italian Island of Lampedusa to meet with newly arrived migrants. He also denounced what he called the globalization of indifference shown to would-be refugees in 2016. He prayed for dead migrants at the US-Mexico border Recall that he brought 12 Syrian refugees back to Rome on his plane after visiting a refugee camp. His pleas for an open, welcome policy for migrants have often put him at odds with Europeans and the US government in particular. In February, he sent a letter to US Catholic bishops in which he said, “Government should not turn a blind eye to men, women and families that need help.” Generally, world leaders acknowledge that Pope Francis inspired millions even outside the Catholic Church with his humility, compassion and love so pure for the less fortunate, and vulnerable, guided by humility and faith. 135 cardinals to elect new Pope According to Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, the late Pope Francis has requested that the funeral rites be simplified and focused on expressing the faith of the Church in the Risen Body of Christ. “The renewed rite seeks to emphasise even more that the funeral of the Roman Pontiff is that of a pastor and disciple of Christ and not of a powerful person of this world,” Archbishop Ravelli said. In April 2024, the late Pope Francis approved an updated edition of the liturgical book for papal funeral rites, which will guide the funeral Mass which has yet to be announced. The second edition of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis introduces several new elements, including how the Pope’s mortal remains are to be handled after death. The ascertainment of death takes place in the chapel, rather than in the room where he died, and his body is immediately placed inside the coffin. Mourning rites for Pope Francis will last for nine days, with the date of the funeral and burial to be decided by the cardinals. The funeral would normally be held four to six days after the death, in St. Peter’s Square. However, Francis had said that, unlike many predecessors, he would not be laid to rest in the crypt of St. Peter’s Basilica, but in Rome’s St. Mary Major Basilica.  He also asked to be buried in a simple wooden casket. During interregnum, the College of Cardinals oversees day-to-day business during the interregnum. They have limited power and much of the central Church administration grinds to a halt. Between 15 and 20 days after the Pope’s death, the conclave to elect a new pope starts in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel. The cardinals, who would begin to arrive at the Vatican, would be confined to the Vatican for the duration of the conclave. As of April 21, there are a total of 252 cardinals, but 135 of them are cardinal electors under 80. Interestingly, 108 of the electors were appointed by Pope Francis; 22 by his predecessor, Pope Benedict; and five by Pope John Paul II. All cardinals under the age of 80 can take part in the secret ballot to be held in the conclave. They need a majority of at least two-thirds plus one to elect the new pope, so the voting can take several rounds spread over numerous days. When the election is concluded, the new pope is asked if he accepts and what name he wishes to take. The world learns a pope has been elected when an official burns the paper ballots with special chemicals to make white smoke pour from the chapel’s chimney. They use other chemicals to make black smoke indicating an inconclusive vote. The dean of the College of Cardinals steps onto the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to announce “Habemus Papam” (We have a pope). The new pope then appears and gives the crowd in the square his blessing.