UNIZIK Business Education Dept Hosts Workshop on AI Application, Unveils Maiden Journal

By Gabriel Chy Alonta

The Department of Business Education, Faculty of Technology and Vocational Education, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, organized a high-level Technical Workshop on the theme, “Technicalities and Application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Business and Education,” at the ASUU-NAU Secretariat.

The epoch-making event, held in collaboration with Q-Verse Learning Ltd., brought together academics, industry experts, business leaders, and digital innovators to interrogate the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence across sectors.

Declaring the workshop open, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Anyaehie, emphasized that Artificial Intelligence has emerged as a game changer in the 21st century, describing its capabilities as enormous, though not without challenges.

According to him, the University has continued to invest significantly in ICT development and innovation, stressing that the institution must be rated above its current standing through deliberate technological advancement.

“As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, AI has become a transformative force across sectors. It is imperative that our institution stays ahead of the curve, equipping our students and academics with the knowledge and skills to harness its full potential,” he stated.

The Vice-Chancellor reaffirmed the University’s commitment to innovation, excellence in teaching, research and community service, noting that the workshop aligns perfectly with the institution’s strategic goals. He commended the Department of Business Education and Q-Verse Learning Ltd. for spearheading such a forward-looking initiative.

In her welcome address, the Head of Department of Business Education, Prof. Constance Ifeyinwa Okoli, reiterated that Business Education exists to satisfy the knowledge and skill acquisition yearnings of practitioners in both business and education fields.

She observed that the world is rapidly going digital due to scientific and technological advancements, stressing that AI is revolutionizing industries, redefining business operations, enhancing decision-making processes, and transforming skills acquisition in education.

“Artificial Intelligence is making a profound impact in this age. Business Education experts cannot afford to be swept away by the tide. Today, we are taking proactive steps not just to discuss AI theoretically, but to engage its technicalities and practical applications in business, teaching and research,” she said. Prof. Okoli expressed special appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor for creating a peaceful and enabling environment that has ushered in visible progress within the University.

Earlier in his remark, the Chairman of the occasion, Engr. Agu Onwuamaeze, lauded the Department for taking the lead in organizing the workshop, urging participants to maximize the opportunity. He noted that AI is already transforming professional spaces, including education, and encouraged stakeholders to position themselves strategically in the evolving digital ecosystem.

Participants were exposed to in-depth technical sessions by seasoned resource persons. Engr. Arinze Ani of Q-Verse Learning Ltd., who spoke on the technicalities and application of AI in business, took the audience through the practical dimensions of AI tools, categorizing them into Generative AI, Analytic AI and Assistive AI, while demonstrating their relevance to business operations and innovation.

On his part, Dr. Lazarus Nwagwu of the Department of Business Education, Ebonyi State University, who presented on “Technicalities and Application of AI in Teaching and Research,” emphasized that effective AI utilization begins with proper prompting.

He outlined key principles such as the use of accurate and clear prompts, natural language expression, contextual limitation, consistency, simplicity, and appropriate terminology, stressing that “AI is about prompting; if you can prompt effectively, you can deploy it effectively.”

A major highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to distinguished personalities who have made remarkable contributions to academia, business, and society.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Anyaehie, received the Transformational Leadership Award. The Award of Excellent Business Performance was presented to Engr. Agu Onwuamaeze (CEO, Q-Verse Learning Ltd.); Chief Chibuike Stanley Onyema (Nwalupuoaku, CEO Malibu Hotels); Mr. Raphael Ebuka Azolo (Radopin Supermarket); and Chief Ikechukwu Emmanuel Chukwuma (Eze Ndi Igbo na Côte d’Ivoire).

Chief Dr. Emeka Ezekwe (Ebubeagu na Aniocha), MD/CEO Arrowconn Group, was honoured with the Philanthropist Award. The Award of Digital Academic Promoter was conferred on Dr. Vera Nkiru Nwadinobi, Executive Chairman, ASUBEB, Awka, and Rev. Fr. Dr. Sylvester Nnaso, CEO, Seat of Wisdom Establishments.

Ven. Prof. Ben Chuks Okeke received the Mentorship Excellence Award, while Prof. Justina Ifeyinwa Ezenwafor was decorated with the Distinguished Service Award.

Also honoured were Barr. Obi Ekwembu, Chairman, Awka Chamber of Commerce, with the Award of Excellent Business Promoter, and Engr. Kingsley Chukwunonso Okoye alongside Pastor Celestine O. Opara with the Award of Excellent Humanitarian Service.

The event was climaxed with the unveiling of the maiden UNIZIK Journal of Business Education and Entrepreneurship, marking a milestone in the Department’s commitment to scholarly advancement and knowledge dissemination.

Prof. Frank-Collins Nnamdi Okafor, who is the University Orator and Dr. Gabriel Alonta of the Department of Business Education, anchored the occasion, ensuring smooth flow of activities.