By Christian ABURIME
In a powerful address delivered at the groundbreaking event for the Ethics, AI, and Higher Education Strategy Team (EAISTRAP), Anambra State Governor Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo urged a pivotal shift towards intentional transformational leadership, anchored in principles of integrity, fairness, and transparency. This pressing call for change serves as a clarion call for ethical governance.
The event, hosted in the hallowed halls of the Princess Alexandra Auditorium (PAA) at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka—where Governor Soludo himself once studied and lectured—focused on the theme “Ethical Leadership, Security and Sustainable Development.”
It aimed to spotlight the advantages of transformational leadership over traditional transactional models, emphasizing a more holistic approach to governance.
Organized by the Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Oguejiofor Ujam, alongside EAISTRAP from the Faculty of Social Sciences, the gathering resonated with nostalgia for the Governor, who reflected on his formative years as a student and lecturer
The event’s timing is particularly poignant as higher education in Nigeria grapples with myriad challenges, a reality acknowledged by the EAISTRAP Coordinator Prof Casimir Ani
He stressed the urgent need to integrate artificial intelligence with ethical leadership frameworks to adapt to an evolving educational landscape.
Deputy Vice Chancellor for Administration, Professor Romanus Ezeokonkwo, reinforced these sentiments, advocating for a strategic partnership to establish a UNESCO AI building named after Governor Soludo. This initiative aligns with the university’s commitment to restoring human dignity, a principle central to its mission.
During his lecture, Governor Soludo passionately discussed the dual importance of teaching and community service. His yearning for the classroom was evident as he underscored the diverse responsibilities that academics bear in shaping the next generation.
The Governor argued that ethical leadership must extend beyond mere transactional relationships, insisting on accountability without excuses—an omission he cautioned could prove “dangerous and costly.”
The Governor also articulated his vision for Anambra State, encapsulated in the mantra “One State, One People, One Agenda,” among others.
This initiative is designed to foster inclusivity and ensure that all citizens benefit from the state’s developmental efforts.
Concluding his remarks, Governor Soludo called for the establishment of a robust code of conduct that would uphold ethical standards within the university, appealing to politicians to respect the autonomy of academic institutions and warned against tampering with merit-based systems that could jeopardize human dignity.
Professor Casimir Ani, Chairman of EAISTRAP, echoed the Governor’s concerns, stating that Nigerian higher education is currently under significant strain. He underscored the university’s historic role in producing essential human capital and reaffirmed the commitment to maintaining a visionary approach moving forward, crediting Governor Soludo with spurring Anambra’s growth.
In recognition of his impactful contributions to ethical leadership and sustainable development, Governor Soludo was inducted into the Hall of Fame as a Fellow
After the ceremony, the Governor visited his former department and hostel, where he was met with enthusiastic cheers from students, further illustrating the connection he maintains with his alma mater and the hope he inspires among the younger generation.