COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN ADDRESSING SKILL GAPS IN COMMERCIAL BANKS IN NIGERIA AND UNITED KINGDOM

Abstract

The disparities in AI adoption and its effect on skill gaps in the commercial banking sectors of Nigeria and the UK was explored in this study. In Nigeria, AI implementation faces barriersdue to inadequate technological infrastructure, outdated educational curricula and limited access to AI training. In contrast, the UK, which has embraced AI more readily, grapples withconcerns over data privacy and ethical consequences. Using a qualitative approach, the studyanalyzed data from academic literature, policy and appropriate documents published through a thematic analysis.The findings reveal that addressing the skills gap and improving infrastructure is crucialfor effective AI adoption. AI enhances customer service efficiency but with challenges related to inadequate investment in job
training and job displacement. While the UK has made progress in integrating AI due to its advanced technological infrastructure and robust training programs, Nigeria lags due to slow AI adoption, insufficient infrastructure, and limitedtraining opportunities. The study concludes that significant disparities exist in AI skills between Nigeria and theUK, influenced by differences in technological infrastructure, education, and policy. Itrecommends that Nigeria prioritize improving infrastructure, updating educational systems, and the need to develop training programs which the skill gap in the country. In the UK, the focus shouldremain on addressing ethical concerns and data privacy to sustain successful AI integration.