By Seyi Babalola
In a unique convergence of thought, the Faculty of Mass Communication and the Faculty of Religion recently held concurrent international conferences, each reflecting on the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) from different perspectives. Labour Party Leader, Mr. Peter Obi, was represented at both events which took place on Wednesday by his Media Adviser, Mr. Valentine Obienyem.
The first event, The Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna International Conference hosted by the Department of Mass Communication at the UNIZIK Auditorium explored the theme “Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Communication and Scholarship in Nigeria.” Meanwhile, the Faculty of Religion, at the Faculty of Arts Auditorium, examined AI’s ethical and spiritual dimensions with the theme “Religion, Humanity, and Artificial Intelligence.” Both conferences provided an intellectual forum on AI’s role in reshaping society and its potential impact on the human condition.
Across both platforms, Mr. Obi’s message was resolute: AI must be harnessed to serve humanity responsibly. In his remarks, he underscored that while AI’s presence in society is inevitable, its development should be steered towards enhancing lives, particularly in essential fields such as communication, healthcare, education, and human advancement. Advocating for a “humanising” approach, he stressed the importance of AI’s ethical application, respect for privacy, and alignment with societal values. He further called for robust regulatory frameworks to ensure AI’s responsible use, urging that technological progress should be balanced with positive societal impact.
Beyond the focus on AI, the Mass Communication conference also celebrated an iconic figure in Nigerian academia, Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna. Emotions ran high as speakers honoured her contributions to communication studies and academia. Anambra State’s Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Udeh, described Prof. Okunna as a “transitional being,” remarking that her career and influence transcend easy categorisation.
In a heartfelt tribute, Igwe Prof. Onuorah Nwuneli, the traditional ruler of Igbakwu, shared powerful insights into Prof. Okunna’s pioneering achievements. He revealed that she is not only Nigeria’s first female professor of Mass Communication but also the first in Sub-Saharan Africa across Anglophone and Francophone regions. Recalling his role in assessing her for professorship, he spoke warmly of her brilliance and resilience, describing her as “the sister his mother never had.” His anecdotes about their collaboration at UNIZIK and her dedication during her PhD studies at UNILAG captivated the audience.
Prof. Allen Adum, Head of the Department of Mass Communication, echoed this admiration, noting how Prof. Okunna’s mentorship shaped his academic journey. “I am here today as a professor because Prof. Okunna lifted me up,” he remarked, recalling her encouragement decades ago. Other esteemed academics, including Prof. Philomena Igbokwe, the Vice-Chancellor’s representative, highlighted Prof. Okunna’s leadership as an inspiring force for young female lecturers since the late 1990s.
The keynote address by Prof. Umar Pate further illuminated Prof. Okunna’s legacy. He hailed her as an institution in her own right, calling her “a symbol of womanhood in Nigeria.” Lauding her contributions to academic progress, he noted how she worked with him to clear longstanding MSc and PhD backlogs at UNIZIK. “Prof. Okunna simplifies what is complex,” he observed, contrasting her approach with those who may complicate the straightforward. Her ability to celebrate others’ successes and foster their growth emerged as a defining feature of her character.
As both conferences concluded, Prof. Okunna’s legacy and the discourse on AI’s ethical application resonated with attendees, blending insights on technology’s future with heartfelt admiration for an academic luminary. Prof. Okunna’s mentorship and trailblazing achievements are a testament to the enduring influence one individual can have, not only in academic circles but also in the broader fabric of society.
