RSU Holds 118th Inaugural Lecture: Prof. Daniel Matthias Calls for Ethical Use of Emerging Technologies to Drive Socio-Economic Transformation

By Destiny Tamunoala Emmanuel

The Rivers State University (RSU), Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, came alive on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, as the academic community, alumni, staff, students, dignitaries, and technology enthusiasts gathered at the Dr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike Senate Building for the University’s 118th Inaugural Lecture. 

The event, titled “From Algorithms to Impact: Harnessing Emerging Technologies for Socio-Economic Transformation,” was delivered by Professor Daniel Matthias, a celebrated Professor of Computer Science and a leading researcher in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Cloud Computing.

Declaring the event open, the Vice-Chancellor of RSU, Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi, extended a warm welcome to the gathering on behalf of the Governing Council, Management, Senate, Staff and Students. 

He recognized former Vice-Chancellors, Deputy Vice-Chancellors, Provosts, Deans, Heads of Departments, Directors, professors, members of the alumni association, students, staff, and members of the disability and entertainment communities, applauding their presence at what he called “an intellectual feast of global importance.”

In his welcome address, Prof. Zeb-Obipi set the tone for the lecture, remarking that the title was not only timely but spoke to the very heart of the University’s mission to be at the forefront of innovation. “From the beginning, we have been focusing on the development of technology, algorithms, and data resulting in what we now call emerging technologies—artificial intelligence, blockchain, internet of things, big data analytics and more,” he said. “These technologies have come to stay. They have the potential to solve the challenges facing the globe, including Nigeria. Our concern now is to what extent they can be harnessed and maximized for the common good. This concern is about to be addressed by no other person than a professor in that area, our own Professor Daniel Matthias. Ladies and gentlemen, I invite you to sit and let us listen to him as he addresses this question.”

The RSU Orator, Professor Blessing Jaja, gave a detailed citation of the inaugural lecturer, chronicling his life, academic journey, professional affiliations, and groundbreaking research. Born in Port Harcourt in 1970, Professor Matthias boasts a rich educational background with degrees in Mathematics, Computer Science, Information Technology, and a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics from Rivers State University. 

Joining RSU as an Assistant Lecturer in 2005, he rose through the ranks to become a Professor of Computer Science in 2024. With over 70 publications in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, and Cloud Computing, his research has provided tech-driven solutions to Nigeria’s healthcare, governance, and education sectors. Known as a dedicated teacher, Professor Matthias has supervised numerous undergraduate and postgraduate projects, championed creativity and academic integrity, and made substantial contributions to university governance. His community service efforts include serving as an electoral officer, advocating against drug abuse, and serving as an Associate Pastor.

Taking the podium to a warm applause, Professor Matthias expressed his gratitude for the honor of delivering the 118th inaugural lecture, noting that he was not only the 11th lecturer from the Faculty of Science but also the very first from the Department of Computer Science to deliver such a lecture. “The purpose of my goal here,” he said, “is to illustrate the conceptual theory of algorithm to a tangible benefit. 

Algorithm is not just shaping the industry but redefining the fabric of our society. Algorithm is a step-by-step process, a set of instructions designed to solve a problem—and solving problems is what makes an impact.”

He traced the historical evolution of algorithms from the numerical age rooted in mathematics, to computational algorithms such as binary search and sorting algorithms, to the contemporary algorithms that underpin today’s emerging technologies like AI, machine learning, blockchain, IoT, and quantum computing. He drew a striking analogy, likening the first algorithm to God’s instruction at creation: “In the beginning, God said, let there be light. That was an instruction—an algorithm—that brought about impact.”

Professor Matthias delved into the transformative potential of emerging technologies, highlighting both the opportunities and disruptions they present. Artificial Intelligence, he explained, automates tasks and introduces efficiency, but also raises the risk of job displacement for those who fail to upskill. Blockchain, he said, is a “digital ledger that has introduced transparency and trust,” though it threatens traditional structures. IoT offers smart homes and cities but raises privacy and cybersecurity concerns. Quantum computing, he cautioned, solves complex problems but may render some encryption methods obsolete.

He emphasized that the true measure of technology lies in its ability to address societal pain points. “Innovation without impact is incomplete,” he declared. “When we solve a problem, we make an impact. The benefits of emerging technology far outweigh the disruptions if we embrace inclusive growth rather than exclusion.”

The lecture explored the economic, social, governance, and environmental dimensions of technological impact—job creation, digital entrepreneurship, improved healthcare delivery, e-governance, climate modeling, rural infrastructure, and education access. He cited case studies showing how mobile payment systems have lifted millions of Nigerians out of poverty, AI-powered diagnostics are transforming healthcare, and adaptive learning platforms are personalizing education.

Professor Matthias shared highlights of his own research contributions, including an AI-based system for diagnosing hypertension and diabetes, a neural network model for predicting mortality in hepatitis C patients, and a deep-learning model to detect phishing attacks and protect digital trust. His team also developed intrusion detection systems for smartphones and databases, proposed blockchain consensus mechanisms to enhance transparency, and designed a deep-learning automatic license plate recognition system to improve security in Nigerian transportation.

He called for urgent policy frameworks, youth digital skills training, infrastructure investment, and stronger university-industry-government partnerships to ensure Nigeria does not lag behind. “Tech is a tool, but not God,” he reminded the audience. “Policy makers must craft enabling environments, invest in STEM capacity-building, support start-ups, and promote ethical leadership to guide responsible adoption.”

The Vice-Chancellor, in his closing remarks, praised the lecturer for a thorough, visionary, and inspiring presentation. “He walked us through the evolution of algorithms, emerging technologies, their applications, challenges, promises, and strategic investment policies within an African context,” Prof. Zeb-Obipi said. “His recommendations align with what this university is already doing. Our Senate is currently considering an AI policy intended to mainstream AI into our academics and administration. We are developing digital capacity by introducing the Computer Access Program for all staff, and with FedEx digital workflow, we are moving toward a fully digital university.”

Prof. Zeb-Obipi noted that the inaugural lecture reinforced the university’s commitment to innovation, policy leadership, and industry collaboration, with initiatives like the Departmental Industry Day and the university’s Special Purpose Vehicle for industry engagement. “Because the university is doing this, and he has talked about it now, we now know how to harness emerging technology. This university is already harnessing it,” he said.

Highlight of the inaugural lecture, was decoration of Prof. Daniel Matthias by the VC, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi as the 118th outstanding inaugural lecturer.

The Vote of Thanks was delivered by the Chairman of the University Lectures Committee, Prof. Patrick N, who expressed appreciation on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor and his team. He thanked the audience for their participation and invited them to the next inaugural lecture slated for September 24, 2025, to be delivered by a Professor from the Department of Economics.

Speaking with journalists after the event, Professor Matthias reiterated the essence of his lecture. “The idea is to make everyone understand that they can utilize emerging technology—AI, machine learning, blockchain, nanotechnology—to leverage socio-economic transformation,” he said. Asked about who bears responsibility for developing beneficial technological solutions, he replied, “Basically, those responsible are the developers, those in the tech space. Whether you are a computer scientist or just a tech enthusiast, you must consider the ethical implications. Algorithms must not reinforce bias. Technology must serve society.”

On the question of why Nigeria has not yet embraced e-voting, Professor Matthias suggested that politics will remains the stumbling block. “It is politics,” he stated bluntly. “If allowed, e-voting would bring transparency and ensure that whoever emerges is the true candidate of the people.”

When quizzed about the risks of emerging technology, including job losses, he argued that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks, but advised Nigerians to upskill. “AI has come to stay. All we need to do is to integrate ourselves into it, learn the skills, and remain relevant,” he said.

The 118th Inaugural Lecture was not just an academic exercise but a roadmap for Nigeria’s technological future—calling on government, academia, industry, and the citizenry to rise to the challenge of innovation, embrace ethical technology adoption, and leverage emerging tools for inclusive growth.