With global institutional challenges driving many to place profit ahead of values, renowned global ambassador and AI expert, Nnenna Nwakanma a Babcock University Alumna has made a strong case for integrity.
While delivering the university’s Founder’s Day lecture themed, “Legacy and Leadership Excellence: Building Enduring Institutions in Times of Change,” at the University’s 2,500 capacity Amphitheatre, Nwakanma raised a crucial question: “How do we uphold values in societies increasingly driven by profit and power rather than purpose and principle?”
Nwakanma identified a “crisis of values” as the greatest challenge facing institutions globally, where “brilliance without character is celebrated, intelligence without compassion is tolerated, and knowledge is pursued, but wisdom is neglected.” .
She emphasized that while education and expertise are crucial, values ultimately determine an individual’s success and stability. Drawing from her experiences at the Adventist Seminary of West Africa (ASWA), Nwakanma highlighted the importance of character driven by integrity, noting that degrees and titles do not guarantee future success. She encouraged students to cultivate kindness, adhere to right values, and continuously upgrade their knowledge and skills.
Nwakanma attributed her achievements to her faith and values nurtured during her undergraduate days at ASWA, emphasizing that her greatest title is being loved by God.
Her lecture resonated with Prof. Ademola Tayo, BU President/Vice-Chancellor’s charge to strive for purpose and character in a world faced with accelerated change.
The President called for leaders who will expand the university’s vision with courage and relevance in times of change.
He warned that technology, efficiency, and convenience should not overshadow integrity, conviction, and faith while striving to keep pace with innovation and technological advancements.
He said these shifts, while opening opportunities, also pose risks “if technology replaces relationship; if efficiency overshadows integrity, if convenience weakens conviction and if popular culture redefines our understanding of God and His holy Word, ”.
“Our pioneers gave us more than buildings. They gave us a vision of faith, service, and scholarship.
To honour that legacy today requires leaders and everyone who will cause the future generation to look back and say, ‘They did not merely preserve the vision of 1959; they expanded it with courage and relevance in times of change.’”
Both messages stressed the need of integrating values, character, and faith into education and personal growth while inspiring students to become individuals with purpose and character.
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