Growing up in Nigeria, there were two labels every student understood. The “Efiko” was the serious student – the one who studied, asked questions, understood concepts, and strived to be better. The “olodo” represented the opposite – the person who avoided learning, looked for shortcuts, and hoped to somehow get by without doing the required work.
Interestingly, as artificial intelligence transforms the world of work, these two labels may become even more relevant. There is a growing concern that AI will make people lazy, less serious, and less intelligent. Teachers worry that students will no longer learn because AI can write assignments for them. Managers worry that employees will outsource their thinking and simply copy and paste AI-generated responses.
These concerns are understandable. But perhaps the real issue is not whether AI creates Efikos or Olodos. Perhaps the real issue is that AI will amplify who people already choose to become. Efikos will use AI to learn faster, think deeper, solve bigger problems, and create more value. Olodos will use AI to avoid learning, avoid thinking, and produce faster mediocrity.
This distinction is important because technology has always created both opportunities and risks. The same internet that gives a young person access to world-class knowledge also provides endless opportunities for distraction. Social media platforms have democratised information, but they have also created environments where entertainment, instant gratification, and shallow engagement often dominate.
“The practical lesson is clear. Professionals must stop treating AI as an answer machine and start treating it as a thinking partner. Instead of simply asking AI to “write this for me”, ask it to challenge assumptions, evaluate alternatives, identify risks, explain concepts, and improve ideas.”
Artificial intelligence raises the stakes even further. AI does not just provide access to information. It can summarise, analyse, write, code, design, and solve problems. The temptation, therefore, is to allow AI to replace thinking rather than enhance it.
However, research suggests that the greatest value of AI comes not from replacing human intelligence but from augmenting it. AI creates the greatest benefits when humans and machines work together, combining technological capability with human judgement, creativity, and expertise. This means the future belongs not simply to people who use AI, because almost everyone will eventually use AI. The future belongs to those who know how to think with AI. So, what does the AI-era Efiko look like?
First, the Efiko is a critical thinker. Daniel Kahneman’s research on judgement and decision-making reminds us that people are naturally vulnerable to cognitive shortcuts and biases. AI can provide answers, but humans must still determine whether those answers are accurate, relevant, ethical, and useful. The ability to question, evaluate evidence, and exercise judgement becomes even more important.
Second, the Efiko builds real expertise. One dangerous assumption is that AI eliminates the need to know things. The opposite may be true. The better you understand a subject, the better you can evaluate AI-generated responses. A professional with deep expertise can use AI as a powerful assistant. Someone without foundational knowledge may not even recognise when AI is wrong. This is why practical competence matters. It is not just about collecting certificates but about developing what we call a “SABIficate” – the demonstrable ability to apply knowledge and solve problems.
Third, the Efiko is creative and innovative. AI can generate ideas, but humans must identify meaningful problems, understand context, and transform possibilities into solutions that create value.
Fourth, the Efiko possesses emotional intelligence. Daniel Goleman’s work reminds us that success depends not only on cognitive ability but also on self-awareness, empathy, relationship management, and social skills. AI may help generate content or analyse information, but leadership, trust, collaboration, and influence remain deeply human capabilities.
Finally, the Efiko remains curious. Carol Dweck’s research on growth mindset emphasises that people who believe they can develop their capabilities are more likely to embrace challenges and continue learning. In a world where technology changes constantly, the willingness to keep learning may become the most important skill of all.
The practical lesson is clear. Professionals must stop treating AI as an answer machine and start treating it as a thinking partner. Instead of simply asking AI to “write this for me”, ask it to challenge assumptions, evaluate alternatives, identify risks, explain concepts, and improve ideas.
Organisations also have a responsibility. They must invest not only in AI tools but also in developing employees who can use those tools effectively. AI training should not focus only on prompts and platforms. It must develop critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, communication, and judgement.
The irony of the AI revolution is that the more powerful machines become, the more important truly human capabilities become. AI will not automatically create more Efikos or more Olodos. It will amplify choices. Those who use it to avoid thinking may become faster at producing average work. Those who use it to deepen learning, strengthen judgement, and solve meaningful problems will achieve possibilities previous generations could only imagine.
The future does not belong to people who simply have access to AI. Access will become universal. The future belongs to those who know how to think, learn, and create with AI. The future belongs to the Efiko, and everyone can aspire and become an Efiko – it’s just a matter of choice and is never too late.
Omagbitse Barrow is the chief executive of Efiko Management Consulting, and he supports organisations and leaders to translate their strategy into results.
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