Amadeus University, Amizi, in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, has explained that its maiden international conference on Artificial Intelligence (AI) was designed to examine how emerging technologies could drive innovation, promote ethical practices and transform different sectors of society.

The four-day conference, themed “Artificial Intelligence Across Disciplines: Innovation, Ethics and Impact,” brought together academics and other stakeholders to explore the growing influence of AI beyond the traditional boundaries of computer science.

Discussions at the conference highlighted how AI is changing professional practices, including how accountants conduct audits, teachers deliver lessons, librarians support research, farmers plan agricultural activities, doctors diagnose diseases, and governments provide public services.

In her opening address, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee and University Librarian, Professor Ngozi Blessing Ukachi, said the conference was convened to examine a subject rapidly reshaping the world and to mark an important milestone in the institution’s academic development.

She described the gathering as part of the university’s commitment to knowledge, academic excellence, innovation and sustainable development.

According to her, artificial intelligence has become relevant across virtually every discipline, making it imperative for professionals, researchers and policymakers to understand its opportunities, ethical implications and practical applications.

Ukachi said the conference theme was deliberately chosen because AI was no longer the exclusive preserve of computer scientists but had become an important tool influencing virtually every aspect of human activity.

“Wherever AI goes, three questions follow, and they are the three words in our theme: What can we innovate? What must we guard? That is the question of ethics. And what difference does it make to real lives? That is impact,” she said.

She stressed that the questions were particularly important to Nigeria and Africa, arguing that the continent should participate actively in shaping emerging technologies rather than remain mere consumers of innovations developed elsewhere.

The university founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr Godwin Nwabunka, represented by a Board member, Dr Myles Nwabunka, said the conference reflected the vision behind establishing the institution.

“Amadeus University is more than buildings; it is a vision to bring the world to Amizi and to produce graduates who are academically excellent, morally grounded and globally competitive,” he said.

Nwabunka described the conference theme as timely, noting that AI was transforming virtually every discipline taught at the university, including medicine, law, business and entrepreneurship.

He emphasised the importance of building a mutually beneficial relationship between industry and academia, describing artificial intelligence as a clear example of how technological innovation could connect academic knowledge with practical industry needs.

“At Amadeus University, we believe in the symbiotic relationship between industry and academia. AI is the perfect example of that interplay. It is transforming every discipline we teach here, from Medicine to Law to Business to Entrepreneurship,” he stated.

He challenged participants to embrace innovation while remaining conscious of the ethical responsibilities associated with deploying emerging technologies.

“As a Board, we charge you, the participants, to innovate boldly, think ethically and deliver impact. Let the ideas from this conference benefit our host community, Amizi, Abia State and Nigeria at large. As we deploy AI, we must never lose our moral compass. That is the Amadeus difference,” he added.

Ukachi urged participants to approach the discussions with open minds, intellectual curiosity and a commitment to academic excellence.

She encouraged delegates to engage beyond their respective professional disciplines, noting that some of the most productive conversations would emerge from interactions between experts in different fields, such as educators and engineers, lawyers and data scientists.

She also urged participants to use the conference to establish meaningful partnerships, strengthen research collaborations and identify practical ways of deploying artificial intelligence to address challenges confronting their institutions and communities.

The organising committee chairman particularly encouraged students and younger scholars to maximise the opportunities provided by the conference by engaging presenters, asking questions and exposing themselves to new ideas.

She said the ability to learn continuously, adapt to emerging realities, think critically and deploy knowledge responsibly would determine how individuals and societies respond to the rapidly changing technological landscape.

The university said the conference underscored its determination to contribute to global scholarly discussions, strengthen interdisciplinary research and promote the responsible application of artificial intelligence to Nigeria’s development.