By Sam Tyav, Makurdi
In recent years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has evolved from a specialized technology into a force transforming industry, economies, and everyday life.
As AI continues to advance at an unprecedented pace, debates surrounding its impact on jobs, education, business, and society have intensified. While some view AI as a threat capable of disrupting entire professions, others believe it represents one of the greatest opportunities humanity has ever encountered.
In this interview with AI expert, Engr. Mazen Kalassina, Managing Director (MD), Arkan Builders Ltd., and an advocate for practical integration of AI in engineering, project management, and business operations, he shares his thoughts on the future of AI, its opportunities, risks, and what it means for humanity. Excepts:
People&Politics: Artificial Intelligence is advancing at an extraordinary pace, and many people are concerned about its risks. Do you believe these concerns are justified?
Kalassina: Concern is natural whenever humanity faces a major transformation.
People feared machines during the Industrial Revolution.
They feared computers when they entered workplaces.
They feared the Internet when it began connecting the world.
Today, we are witnessing a similar reaction toward Artificial Intelligence.
However, history teaches us that technology itself is rarely the problem. The real challenge has always been humanity’s willingness to adapt, learn, and evolve alongside it.
P&P: So you do not see Artificial Intelligence as a threat?
Kalassina: I see it as a challenge more than a threat. Artificial Intelligence is asking humanity an important question: Are we willing to evolve as quickly as the world around us is evolving?
In my view, AI is not an enemy of humanity. It is a mirror reflecting both our strengths and our weaknesses. It challenges us to learn more, think deeper, and continuously improve ourselves.
P&P: Many people fear losing their jobs because of AI. What is your perspective on this?
Kalassina: Certain jobs will undoubtedly change, just as they did during every previous technological revolution.
However, I do not believe AI will replace people who continue to develop their skills and adapt to change.
The future belongs to those who embrace learning, innovation, and lifelong improvement.
Technology does not eliminate human value; it redefines the skills that create value.
P&P: How do you see AI affecting developing nations such as Nigeria?
Kalassina: I see tremendous opportunity.
Nigeria has one of the youngest and most energetic populations in the world. If Artificial Intelligence is integrated effectively into education, engineering, agriculture, healthcare, and public services, it can accelerate development and unlock enormous economic potential.
We should not view AI as a threat arriving from elsewhere. We should view it as a tool that can help us build a better future.
P&P: What message would you like to share with young people?
Kalassina: My message is simple:mDo not fear Artificial Intelligence. Learn it, use it, master it.
The world is changing rapidly, and those who choose to learn today will be better prepared for tomorrow.
Knowledge is becoming more accessible than ever before, and opportunities are expanding for those willing to embrace change.
P&P: What do you consider the greatest risk in the age of Artificial Intelligence?
Kalassina: My answer may surprise some people. I do not believe the greatest risk is Artificial Intelligence itself. The greatest risk is human stagnation.
If technology continues advancing every day while people refuse to learn, adapt, and grow, a gap will naturally emerge.
The problem is not that machines are evolving too quickly; the problem is that some people are evolving too slowly.
P&P: Final Thoughts?
Kalassina: I do not see Artificial Intelligence as a competitor to humanity. I see it as an invitation to grow. Perhaps the greatest achievement of AI is not that it has become more intelligent, but that it has encouraged millions of people to rediscover their own potential and rethink what they are capable of becoming.
The future will not belong to machines alone, nor to humans alone.
It will belong to those who learn how to combine human wisdom with technological capability to become better versions of themselves.
*PHOTO CAPTION: Engr. Kalassina.
