The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) has urged human resources professionals and employees to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance workplace efficiency.
The institute emphasized the need for personnel to leverage technological tools to add value to their organizations and achieve desired goals.
This call was part of the resolutions from the 9th Conference of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPMN), Ondo State Branch, held in Akure on the 20th of September 2024. The event, attended by top government officials, including permanent secretaries and accounting officers from the civil service and HR practitioners form private organisations focused on the importance of AI in transforming HR functions.
The resolution was signed by the Public Relations Officer, Akintan Akinyemi, and the Branch Chairman, Olusola Lebile.
The conference was graced by Ondo State Governor Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, represented by his Deputy, Dr. Adelami Olayide, mni. Other notable attendees included the Head of Service, Bayo Phillips; The President and Chairman of the Governing Council, Mallam Ahmed Ladan Gobir, FCIPM represented by CIPM National Treasurer, Mrs. Ogochukwu Egbuonu, FCIPM, and Mr. Oluwatayo Olumide, MCIPM, representing the Registrar/CEO of CIPM. Additionally, the former Head of Service, Mr. Kayode Ogundele, FCIPM, and other fellows of the institute were in attendance.
In a statement, the conference highlighted the importance of integrating AI into HR practices to drive operational efficiency and innovation and upskilling to meet new work demands. It also emphasized the need for responsible AI use, ensuring that employee well-being and professional growth remain priorities.
Key recommendations included:
1. Organizations should incorporate AI as a core element of their strategic plans, focusing on operational efficiency and innovation.
2. Specific areas where AI can deliver immediate benefits should be identified, such as recruitment and task automation, and introduce it gradually for seamless adoption.
3. Governance frameworks must be established to ensure responsible AI use, addressing ethical concerns and aligning AI initiatives with organizational values.
4. Comprehensive training programs are essential to equip employees with the skills needed to leverage AI effectively and transition into higher-value roles.
5. Organizations should implement initiatives that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being, while offering regular health assessments and mental health support.
6. Strengthening leadership training programs is crucial to building a resilient, diverse, and adaptable workforce ready to navigate future challenges.
7. Structured mentorship initiatives should be introduced to enhance communication skills, foster collaboration, and develop core HR competencies.
8. Organizations must review and update their policies to reflect AI integration, promote employee well-being, and align with evolving technological and health standards.
Mrs. Ogochukwu Egbuonu, FCIPM praised Ondo CIPM’s successful hosting of the conference and stressed the importance of capacity building in driving productivity and sustainability within organizations. She encouraged the state government to partner with CIPM to deliver value through people-centered initiatives.
The Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee Mr Omirin Lade Sunday appreciated all members of the branch for giving out there best in terms of human and material resources to actualise a successful and most deepest appreciation was extended to corporate bodies like Waste management agency, BATIFE FUNKE-AKPO, Ondo State Housing loans board, Ondo State Housing Development corporation, Toast master international, Ondo State Internal Revenue Service, Tropical oil palm who all played a major sponsorship roles in adding value to the conference driving numerical strength and corporate membership support.
