Former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim, has called on leaders and institutions to ensure that technological advancement protects human dignity rather than deepening exclusion and inequality. He made this statement at the 2026 International Convention of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Alumni Association (NAUAA) in Abuja, with the theme: “Innovation, Integrity and Inclusion: Rekindling the Zik Vision for a New Era.” Anyim emphasized that rapid changes driven by the Fourth Industrial Revolution require deliberate efforts to protect human dignity.
Anyim highlighted that the benefits of technological revolution can only be achieved when innovation is guided by integrity and used to improve the lives of people. He stressed that integrity is not a title, but a personality trait and a virtue. Anyim challenged institutions and professionals to develop strategies to harness technological advancement while ensuring that its benefits are accessible to all. This, he believes, will help address the challenges posed by the rapid changes driven by emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, and biotechnology.
In his keynote lecture, Malam Ali Muhammad Ali, Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), noted that innovation should go beyond adopting new technologies to developing solutions to Nigeria’s specific challenges. He emphasized that Nigeria needs to move from being predominantly a market for other countries’ inventions to becoming a laboratory for solutions to its own problems. Ali believes that information is power and a society that cannot inform itself cannot fully govern itself.
Malam Ali Muhammad Ali also stressed that innovation is not simply about technology, but the capacity to see possibilities where others see limitations and to turn ideas into solutions. He noted that education should focus more on knowledge creation, enterprise, and societal impact, rather than merely acquiring certificates. According to him, integrity is the “invisible infrastructure of development”, and transparent rules, accountable leadership, credible institutions, and responsible management of public resources are essential for sustainable progress.
Prof. Bond Anyaehie, Vice-Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, discussed the institution's efforts to improve students' experiences and make its operations more efficient. He mentioned that the university has introduced digital clearance, allowing students to complete the process remotely, while provisional certificates can be generated online after clearance. The university has also digitized transcripts to reduce delays and improve access to academic records.
Prof. Ikechukwu Umeh, Global President of NAUAA, outlined the association's initiatives to support students, strengthen the university, and create opportunities for younger graduates. He mentioned that the association has instituted a scholarship program that provides tuition support to 50 indigenous students, while mentorship programs are being strengthened to connect students and young graduates with experienced alumni. The association is also working towards completing the Alumni Centre as a permanent hub for meetings, conferences, networking, and mentorship.
The Nnamdi Azikiwe University Alumni Association is committed to supporting the university and its students. With initiatives such as the scholarship program and mentorship opportunities, the association aims to make a positive impact on the lives of students and young graduates. The completion of the Alumni Centre is expected to provide a dedicated space for the association's activities and further strengthen its relationship with the university.
Key points
- Anyim Pius Anyim urges leaders to ensure technological advancement protects human dignity.
- Malam Ali Muhammad Ali emphasizes the need for innovation to address Nigeria's specific challenges.
- Nnamdi Azikiwe University Alumni Association implements initiatives to support students and strengthen the university.
