The Imo State University Alumni Association (IMSUAA), Rivers Spectacular Chapter, has urged Nigerians to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to address global challenges ranging from climate change to disease control.
The Chairman of the chapter, Mr. Christian Kanu, made the call on Sunday in Port Harcourt during the “2025 Spectacular Cultural Day.”
He said the three-day event, which began on Friday, had the theme: “Maintain the Balance: AI and Humanity in the 21st Century.”
Kanu said the celebration aimed to educate the public on the urgent need to embrace AI tools for accelerated development.
He stressed the importance of maintaining balance between progress and preservation, intelligence and integrity, and data and dignity in the face of rapid technological transformation.
According to him, AI is reshaping industries, governance, education, healthcare, agriculture and banking, with global investments in the sector exceeding $350 billion annually.
He listed the group’s efforts in building members’ capacity through trainings such as financial literacy and investment banking sessions, giving back to their alma mater through sensitization programmes in secondary schools and universities, and partnering with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to support orphanages.
He also mentioned the hosting of a family sports fiesta, among other initiatives.
Kanu expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor of Imo State University, Owerri, Prof. Uchefula Chukwumaeze; the National President of IMSUAA, Dr. Charles Nwosu; the association’s Patron, Chief Clovis Okereke; and the Board of Trustees for their support.
He reaffirmed the chapter’s commitment to national unity and progress.
The Vice-Chancellor of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt, Prof. Okechuku Onuchuku—represented by Dr. Florence Iroanwusi of the Department of Philosophy and Human Resource Management—delivered the keynote address titled “The Nexus of AI and Humanity in the 21st Century: Emerging Considerations.”
Onuchuku expressed concern about the evolution of AI and its impact on human interaction. He noted that while technology companies emphasize innovation, they often overlook the challenges it poses to face-to-face communication and the growing reliance on automated systems.
He said achieving balance between AI and humanity was a challenge that required urgent and wise intervention, warning that the risk to human agency was real and inevitable.
According to him, the balance is not a fixed point but an ongoing process of stewardship.
Onuchuku said AI offers vast potential to solve major global problems, but humans must define the terms of partnership with technology.
“We must embrace AI not as a competitor but as an advanced collaborator, guided by ethical frameworks that place human dignity, fairness and self-determination at the centre,” he said.
“The 21st century demands that we use our unique human capacities—wisdom, empathy and foresight—to build guardrails that ensure AI’s progress leads to a more equitable and flourishing future.”
The event featured excellence awards, shining stars awards and spectacular like-minded awards, recognizing individuals who demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation and excellence in their careers.
