By Ikenna Nwokedi

The Department of Business Administration, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, in collaboration with Princeton Group of Companies Abuja and Baychester Petroleum Ltd Abuja on Thursday, September 27th 2024 kick started her two-day 2024 Multidisciplinary Hybrid International Conference at the ASUU NAU Secretariat.

The two-day 2024 Hybrid International Conference which was an assemblage of scholars, stakeholders and professionals in Business Administration discipline alongside Alumni members had its theme as "Navigating the Artificial Intelligence Frontier in African Business Environment: Issues, Challenges and Prospects."

In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the occasion and Former Minister of Aviation, Distinguished Senator Stella Oduah who was represented by Hon. Innocent Nwanta stated that the conference creates a forum for the converge for Business Administrators, scholars and practitioners to brainstorm about the profession using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in enhancing the practice through insights and revelations on the current trends in conforming with best global benchmarks and practices.

Declaring the event open during her address, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of UNIZIK, Prof. Carol Arinze-Umobi emphasized the relevance of the conference theme in the era of rapid technological advancements. The Acting Vice-Chancellor who was represented by Prof. Ezinma Nnabuife explained that the advent of Artificial Intelligence has brought about transformative potentials for business environment to strive especially in the African settings.

Prof. Arinze-Umobi highlighted the significant impact of the emergence of AI on data management, storage and swift decision-making. The Acting VC noted that the operations of AI will advance the frontiers of knowledge, practice, and policy in the African business environment.

In her welcome address, The Head, Department of Business Administration, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Professor Faith Onwuchekwa stated that the conference topic is both timely and critical standing at the threshold of an AI revolution that is redefining industries, economies and societies across the globe.

Prof. Onwuchekwa pointed out that the discussions at the conference proceedings will be centered on the challenges, opportunities, and long-term prospects of AI integration in African business landscapes from economic productivity to organizational restructuring, and from policy frameworks to ethical considerations geared towards exploring how AI can contribute to sustainable growth and development in Africa.

The HOD of Business Administration enumerated some of the infrastructural challenges faced by the Department and her critical needs such as a business administration complex, business administration incubation laboratory and a business administration utility vehicle. The scholar assured of a continuous pursue of excellence in academic and practical contributions to the field of business.

On his part, the Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences, Professor Pius Okoye described the theme of the conference as apt. Prof. Okoye opined that with the advent of AI, Business Administration as a profession can be enhanced further for more efficient and top notch operations. The Dean who was represented by Prof. Frank Nwankwo noted that there is need to address key issues such as digital infrastructure; education and skills development; ethical concerns and data privacy; sustainability and inclusivity as well as global competition and local opportunities. The Dean pointed out that with the current trends and changes occasioned by AI, a business environment can grow in leaps and bounce.

The Keynote Speaker and member representing Orumba North and South Federal Constituency at the Federal House of Representatives, Abuja, Hon. Princess Chinwe Nnabuife stated that the  rapid advancements in AI technology are not only reshaping the Nigerian industries but also redefining the approach to problem-solving, decision-making, and strategic planning. 

Hon. Nnabuife who was represented by Dr. Joshua Odey Owulo affirmed that the conference presents an invaluable opportunity to delve into how these changes impact the field of business administration and how best to harness AI to drive growth and innovation. The lawmaker disclosed that Artificial Intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept but a present reality that is profoundly influencing various aspects of business operations.

The Lead Paper Presenter, Prof. Koudzo Komlanvi of Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, Germany stated that AI is the simulation of human intelligence by machines with the ability to solve problems, ability to act rationally and ability to act like humans.

Prof. Komlanvi informed that AI plays a key role in various sectors such as medicine, telecommunication, music, banking and a thriving business environment. The scholar adduced that AI technologies have enormous potentials to aid the growth of African Economies and human flourishing as well as alter business operations and performance, enhance productivity and improve healthcare, education, agribusiness and transportation in Africa.

In their separate remarks on the importance of the conference, the Distinguished Guest of Honour and CEO B-Lord Group of Companies, Mr. Linus Williams stated that AI brings extraordinary prospects for Africa to leapfrog traditional development stages and accelerate across business sectors. The CEO B-Lord Group disclosed that AI can predict market trends, improve decision making processes across business settings and the potential to solve social problems.

The Royal Father of the Day, HRM Dr. Ifechukwude Okonjo II, Obi of Ogwashi-Ukwu Kingdom, Delta State, opined that AI has the potentials to change business operations and create new opportunities for growth through appropriate decision making, interaction with costumers and efficiency in operations.

Re-echoing the views of Obi of Ogwashi-Ukwu, the Mother of the Day and member representing Awka North and South Federal Constituency at the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Prof. Lilian Orogbu who was represented by Barr. Uju Ekweozor reminded the conference participants about the profound role that AI and technology can play in redefining Africa’s place in the global economic order. The lawmaker stated that there is need for the town and gown to think critically about how best to harness these technologies in addressing the unique challenges faced by the continent.

In a vote of thanks, the LOC Chairman, Prof. Obianuju Chiekezie thanked all and sundry for their time in the opening ceremony of the International Conference and promises made towards strengthening the academic program of the Department. Prof. Chiekezie informed that the conference will continue on its second day with technical sessions were research findings will be made public with the aim of engaging in academic discussions and fostering collaborations that will shape the future of the profession.

Highlights of the Conference opening day were award presentations, financial supports to the department by the conference awardees as well as goodwill speeches and remarks by some of the attendees.