The Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL), a non-political body of scholars dedicated to promoting excellence in research, scholarship, and the advancement of the humanities in Nigeria, has called on government and regulatory bodies to reform media regulations to integrate responsible citizen journalism practices.
It also called on scholars and practitioners to acquire digital and AI competencies to remain relevant in the evolving knowledge economy. It equally raised the need to foster synergy between AI, humanities scholarship, and national education policies.
In a communiqué issued after its 27th convocation, scientific session and investiture of new fellows held at the DLI Nurudeen Alao Auditorium, University of Lagos, and signed by its President, Professor Sola Akinrinade, the Academy resolved that: “The humanities must play a more active role in Artificial Intelligence (AI) development, given the critical contributions of the humanities to ethical and cultural frameworks.”
It noted that AI is an irreversible force; humanities scholars must engage with it proactively. Thus, “Ethical AI usage must be prioritised across all sectors.”
It also said: “AI and humanistic studies should collaborate to enhance knowledge production and critical thinking;
“The Nigerian government must urgently address inadequate educational funding and infrastructure; and stronger collaboration is needed between humanistic scholars, technologists, and policymakers.”
To advance these resolutions, the Academy proposed the following actions: Humanities scholars should: Shape policies on digital ethics and culturally relevant digital literacy, develop ethical frameworks for AI integration in humanistic disciplines, establish forums for curating humanities-based data for AI training, Engage in interdisciplinary research to bridge technology and humanistic inquiry.”
The convocation also reinforced the centrality of the humanities in navigating the challenges and opportunities of AI and digital technologies. While recognising risks — from ethical dilemmas to cultural erasure — the Academy affirmed that humanistic scholarship must guide technological progress to ensure it serves humanity’s best interests. By fostering collaboration between scholars, policymakers, and technologists, Nigeria can harness digital innovations to preserve cultural identity, enhance democratic governance, and advance global knowledge.”
Held from August 13 to 15, the convocation’s central theme was, The Humanities in the Modern Digital World. The event featured several landmark moments, including the induction of 31 new members into the Academy and the investiture of 13 new Regular Fellows, including one overseas fellow. Three distinguished individuals — His Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe, Mr. Jahman Oladejo Anikulapo, and Dr. Lasisi Olagunju—were admitted as Honorary Fellows in recognition of their outstanding contributions to humanistic values.
Additionally, the Academy conferred Awards of Excellence in Humanistic Practice on Ms. Emem Isong Misodi, Mr. Laolu Ogunniyi, Alhaji Teju Wasee Kareem, and Mr. Musa Alao Adedayo for their unwavering commitment to promoting humanistic ideals. A poignant moment was the recognition of 19 Distinguished Life Fellows. These are members of the Academy aged 80 and above who have demonstrated steadfast loyalty to the Academy for at least two decades. Their recognition was a celebration not only of longevity but of sustained commitment to the ideals and vision of the Nigerian Academy of Letters.
Following a free and fair online election held July 31, 2025, the Academy inaugurated its new Executive Council during the 2025 Convocation Ceremony. Since its foundation, the Academy has upheld the tradition of electing a new Executive Council biennially. The immediate past president, Professor Sola Akinrinade, and members of his EXCO, served the Academy from 2023 to 2025 and the newly inaugurated EXCO will serve the Academy for the next two years.
The convocation lecture, delivered by Prof. Francis Egbokhare, and titled, The Nature of Reality, Humanity, The Humanities, and Modern Digital Technologies, underscored the indispensable role of the humanities in shaping artificial intelligence (AI). While acknowledging widespread anxieties — such as threats to human autonomy, job displacement, and cognitive diminishment — Prof. Egbokhare argued that humanistic inquiry has always been fundamental in expanding imagination, interpreting reality, and guiding scientific progress. He emphasized the urgent need for deeper humanities engagement in AI development to ensure ethical and human-centered technological evolution.
During the scientific sessions, three thought-provoking papers were presented. Prof. Olukoya J. Ogen’s Historicising the Humanities in the Age of AI traced the evolution of AI and examined its risks (e.g., reductionist thinking, mental passivity) and benefits (e.g., aiding humanistic inquiry and creative processes).
Prof. Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika, in Reimagining Ethics in Citizen Journalism: Charting a Responsible Digital Public Sphere for Nigerian Democracy, highlighted citizen journalism as a dynamic yet unregulated digital public sphere. She advocated for synergy between citizen and traditional journalism to enhance transparency and democratic governance.
Prof. Gideon Omachonu’s African Languages in the Modern Digital World: Identity, Trends, and Challenges exposed the digital marginalisation of African languages, thus leading to challenges such as digital neglect, shifting identities of many African language users, no global recognition for the Nigerian variety of English, language exclusion, and digital colonialism.
