Chika Anyanwu, Ph.D FGLF is Professor of Digital Media and the Head of School, UNSW Canberra School of Professional Studies. His research interest and expertise are in generative artificial intelligence, digital media application and policy, migration and cross-cultural studies, African media and political economy, and creative industries.
During his career, Professor Anyanwu has held several significant leadership positions including Head of the School of Communication and Creative Industries at Charles Sturt University, Head of the Bathurst Campus of Charles Sturt University, Director of Partnerships for Southern Cross University, Founding Head of Media at the University of Adelaide, Head of Mass Communication at the Curtin University of Technology, and Founding Head of Media Arts, University of Papua New Guinea.
He has been two times President of the Australian and New Zealand Communication Association (ANZCA).
He is on the International Council of the International Association of Media and Communication Research (IAMCR), and Chairs the Committee for the Improvement of Academic Life.
Professor Anyanwu is a student-centred academic leader and researcher, with specialisations in creative industries, digital media, African political economy, diaspora, and migration. He has published widely, nurtured and led more than 14 competitive research grants including 2 large ARC grants, and helped to increase institutional donor income by 20%.
Professor Anyanwu was previously at the University of Sydney since 2021, where he taught and researched in the Digital Culture of the School of Arts Communication and Education. He is also a Chief Investigator in a multistakeholder Australian Research Council Discovery project investigating the Political and Economic Agency of Africans in Australia.
In 2023 he had joint appointments with the Strategic Policy division of the South Australia Department for Education, involved in the Department’s adoption of Generative Artificial intelligence in schools. He led the Department’s production of a professional development package in generative AI for teachers in SA government schools.
Professor Anyanwu has a PhD in Film from the Flinders University of South Australia, a First Class Honours and an MA in Theatre and Media Arts from the University of Ibadan in Nigeria.
He has graduate business qualifications in Leadership and Management from the Curtin Graduate School of Business and a Graduate Certificate in Online Education. He is a Fellow of the Governor's Leadership Foundation of South Australia, a recipient of the Leslie Humanities Cyberdisciplinarity Fellowship, Dartmouth College, USA, a recipient of the US House of Representatives Special Congressional Recognition for Extraordinary Leadership, and California State Assembly Certificates in Recognition of contributions towards Silicon Valley African Film Festival.
He has been a Visiting Professor at many institutions including the Annenberg School of Interactive Media, the University of Southern California, Benue State University Makurdi, Nigeria, Coal City University, Nigeria as well as an International Visiting scholar at Covenant University in Nigeria.
- Publications
- Research Activities
- Awards
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Anyanwu C. (2024) People of African descent in South Australia: Challenges and Opportunities. Wakefield Companion to South Australian History Revised 2nd Edition to Wakefield Press.
Anyanwu, C. (2021) Voice of African Children in Online Environment the Routledge Companion to Children and Digital Media. Edited by Lelia Green, Donnell Holloway, Leslie Haddon, Kylie Stevenson, and Tamar Leaver.
Anyanwu, C. (2019) Digital divide or digital misapplications: Information penetration in rural and communal societies, Bruce Mutsvairo and Massimo Ragnedda (Eds.) Mapping New Perspectives and Debates on Digital Divide in Africa. Amsterdam University Press.
Anyanwu, C. (2017) ‘Interrogating the Fifth Estate’ in Phillip McIntyre and Janet Fulton (Eds.) Creating Space in the Fifth Estate. Cambridge Scholars Publishing
Anyanwu, C. (2016) Nigerian Leadership and Development: An Alternative Creative Paradigm from Diaspora. , in Julius O. Adekunle and Apollos O. Nwauwa (eds.) Governance and Leadership in Nigeria: Prospects and Challenges. Glassboro, NJ: Goldline and Jacob Publishing, pp. 159-180.
Anyanwu C. (2014) Gerontechnology. Ethics, Science, Technology, and Engineering: An International Resource, 2nd edition (ESTE-2)
Anyanwu C (2011) “Extending Yunus’ Social Business Enterprise (SBE) to Adelugba’s Intellectual Capital Development in Nigeria: Case study of Diasporic Contributions to Nigerian Economic Growth” in S. Adeyemi et al (Eds.) Adelugba70 Festschrift: Theatre Arts development in Africa
Anyanwu, C. (2010), Leadership Values in Africa (Forward) in Uchendu, Okpoko and Anugwom (Eds) Perspectives on Leadership in Africa Afro Orbis Publications Nsukka Nigeria
Anyanwu, C. (2007) “Conceptual Analysis of the Virtual African Diaspora Project” in Anna Everett and Amber Wallace (Eds.) AfroGeeks: Beyond the Digital Divide The Centre for Black Studies Research UCSB, California
Anyanwu, C. Ed. (2006) Empowerment, Creativity and Innovation: Challenging Media and Communication in the 21st Century Proceedings of the Australia and New Zealand Communication Association conference, the University of Adelaide ISBN 0-86396-837-6
Anyanwu C. (2004), “Creativity and Innovation: Challenge to New Humanities” in Kenway, J., Bullen, E. and Simon, R. (Eds.) Arts Humanities and the Knowledge Economy Peter Lang Publishers NY
Anyanwu, J. C. (2002a) “The Body in a Space and the Space of a Body: A Critical Look at Progress in the next Millennium” in David Buchbinder (Ed) Start Trek and Endgame Black Swan Press Perth
Anyanwu, J. C. (1999a) "Virtual Community Virtual Ethics: Society at the Crossroads" in Chris R. Simpson (Ed.) Flow-on effects of Information Technology on Quality of Life and the Environment, Melbourne, Australia, AICE publications Brunswick Victoria
Anyanwu J. C. (1996) “The Image of Africa in African Films” In Alexander, P. Hutchinson, R. and Schreuder, D. (Eds.) Africa Today Canberra, The Humanities Research Centre Monograph Series No. 12, ANU Australia
Anyanwu J. C. (1995) “Television in the Pacific: A Clash of Culture” In Robie, D. (ed.) Mass Media in the Pacific, Port Moresby, UPNG Press.
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Anyanwu C. (2018) Fear of communicating fear versus fear of terrorism: A human rights violation or a sign of our time? International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology,
DOI: 10.1080/17549507.2018.1419281
Anyanwu, C. (2016) Boko Haram and the Nigerian Political system: Hegemony or Fundamentalism Communication Research and Practice
Anyanwu C. (2013) Challenges to privacy law in the age of social media: An Australian perspective. Australian Journal of Communication Vol. 40 No 3 Pp 121 -137
Anyanwu C. (2007) “Innovative Resistance in an Era of Market Driven Educational Policy: Challenges for Media and Communication Educators” Australian Journal of Communication Vol 34 (2) pp 1-11
Anyanwu C. (2007) ANZCA (Australia and New Zealand Communication Association News (Presidential Analysis: Mapping Media) Media International Australia No 124 August pp 4-12
Anyanwu C. (2007) ANZCA (Australia and New Zealand Communication Association News (Presidential Analysis: Talkback radio) Media International Australia No 122, February pp5-7
Anyanwu C. (2006) ANZCA (Australia and New Zealand Communication Association News (Presidential Analysis: 50 Years of Australian Television), Media International Australia No 121, November pp5-8
Anyanwu C. (2005) Virtual mobilisation and Virtual African diaspora, Australian Journal of Communication Vol 32 (3) 2005 pp. 93-108
Anyanwu C. (2003) Myth and Realities of New Media Technology: Virtual Classroom Education Premise in Television and New Media, (Toby Miller, General Editor) SAGE Publications pp 389-409
Anyanwu J C (1998a) “Virtual World and Virtual Reality” JAS Number 58 pp. 154-161 UQP https://doi.org/10.1080/14443059809387412
Anyanwu J C (1996) “Creating Television Drama in Papua New Guinea” New Theatre Quarterly, Volume xii Number 45 Feb 1996 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S0266464X00009659
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Government Reports
Anyanwu C. MJ Sorell, P. Ramsey, R Chalmers, C Gobbett (2006) An Overview of New and Emerging Technologies: Fourth Quarterly Report 32 pages, 5 May 2006, published by the Office of Film and Literature Classification, (c) Commonwealth of Australia 2006.
Anyanwu C. MJ Sorell, P. Ramsey, R Chalmers, C Gobbett (2006) An Overview of New and Emerging Technologies: Third Quarterly Report. 56 pages, 13 January 2006, published by the Office of Film and Literature Classification, (c) Commonwealth of Australia 2006. Includes technical description of transcoding from television to video on mobile phones
Anyanwu C. MJ Sorell, P. Ramsey, R Chalmers, C Gobbett (2005) An Overview of New and Emerging Technologies: Second Quarterly Report 38 pages, 30 September 2005, published by the Office of Film and Literature Classification, (c) Commonwealth of Australia 2005. Includes technical advice presented to the Classification Board concerning “Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas”, resulting in the withdrawal of the classification decision for this computer game.
Anyanwu C. MJ Sorell, P Ramsey, R Chalmers (2005) An Overview of New and Emerging Technologies: First Quarterly Report 50 pages, 22 August 2005, published by the Office of Film and Literature Classification, (c) Commonwealth of Australia 2005. Includes definitions used in the Classification (Markings for Films and Computer Games) Determination 2005; and a ten-year projection presented to SCAG.
Anyanwu C. MJ Sorell, P Ramsey, R Chalmers, (2005) An Overview of New and Emerging Technologies 133 pages, 4 March 2005, published by the Office of Film and Literature Classification, (c) Commonwealth of Australia 2005. Includes slide pack for Standing Committee of Attorneys General (SCAG), March 2005, and video presentation
Electronic and Creative Publications and Productions
Anyanwu C. (2008) Actor and Adviser, Kind of Man (motion picture) by Kelly Shilling produced by Sally Clarke, South Australian Film Corporation
Anyanwu C. (2008) Actor, Cry the Beloved Country by Alan Paton, Directed by Rob Croser, Independent Theatre Festival Theatre April 2008
Anyanwu C. (2007) Language Translator, Talkasoft: Universal Language Tutor and Translator Volume 1 Version 1 CD ROM SORO
Anyanwu C. (2006) Empowerment, Creativity and Innovation: Challenging Media and Communication in the 21st Century DVD Proceedings of the Australia and New Zealand Communication Association conference, the University of Adelaide
Anyanwu C. (2002b) Video documentary Sacred Wood (30mins) Research into the new burgeoning video film industry in Ghana and its impact on the traditional celluloid market. It was funded through a 1999 Humanities Seeding Grant from Curtin University of Technology Perth.
Anyanwu C. and Mhando, M. (2000a) Reflexion (30mins) (A Video documentary) joint production A critical reflection on Australia-African relations at the Dawn of the 21st Century. It was funded by grants from Curtin University of Technology, Murdoch University and African Studies Association of Australasia and the Pacific (AFSAAP)
Anyanwu, J. C. (2000b) “Wake Up to the Real World: A Case study of Cybermedia Project” in Barry Harper and Ron Oliver (Eds.) New Millennium, New Technology, New Worlds of Learning, The Apple University Consortium, Apple Australia CD-ROM
Anyanwu J C (1993) Bung Wan Taim (Stage Play and Director) based on the civil crises in Bougainville of Papua New Guinea. It had a very successful reception and review in Papua New Guinea and overseas (see Post Courier, June 11 1993 p.35).
Research grants
Anyanwu, C, Fozdar, F., Mickler, D., Farquharson, K., Gamlen, A., Dagbanja, D., Dzator, J., & Hiruy, K. (Chief Investigators) (2022) The Political and Economic Agency of Africans in Australia, Australian Research Council Discovery Project (DP220101642).
Anyanwu C. and Gerard G. (Chief Investigators) (2017-2018) International Association of Media and Communication Research, seeding grant to investigate academic precarity in Media and Communication around the world.
Anyanwu, C. (2016) (Chief Investigator), “A brief study of return on investment into the arts by local governments", project carried out for Arts Mid North Coast, NSW Australia.
Anyanwu, C. (2014-2016) Australian Subscription Television and Radio Association (ASTRA) project to monitor industry trends, earnings, technological changes, legal, and regulatory frameworks.
Anyanwu, C. Innes, M., Burgan, B., and Sorell, M. (2004 -2008) Australian Research Council Industry Linkage Grant: Creative Economy: Investigating South Australia's Creative Industries LP 0455674 (see Australian Financial Review 3 March 2008 on page 32) $650K.
Anyanwu, C. and Innes, M. (2005) University of Adelaide Learning and Teaching Development Research Grant: Addressing Issues Affecting International Students in the Humanities and Social Sciences: A way forward in the University’s Global Education Policy Plan $35K.
Anyanwu, C. (2005) Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Adelaide, Strategic Initiative funding to enable the Hosting of Australia, New Zealand Communication Association Conference in Adelaide 2006
Anyanwu, C. (2004) Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Adelaide, Summer Research grant
Anyanwu C. (2003), University of Adelaide Infrastructural Development grant to enable the setting up of multimedia lab $70K
Anyanwu C. et al (2001/2) Chair of Joint Contextualisation in the Curtin University successful AUSAID funded project for a Virtual African University Project $4.5m
Anyanwu, C. (2000) Curtin University of technology Humanities Seeding Grant to enable a research into Ghana film industry.
·Anyanwu, C. (1999) Curtin University Research Grant (CURG) to enable Cybermedia Project aimed at assessing students’ performance in a Virtual Classroom Environment
Anyanwu C.; Carter, D.; Duffield, D. and Trinidad S. (1998) New Media Research Grant for a project titled "Core Curriculum of IT knowledge and skills for undergraduate students in the Humanities" Curtin University of technology
Research Presentations
Anyanwu, C. (2023) Inclusive Voice in Generative Artificial Intelligence, in Artificial Intelligence, Education Policy and the Future of Learning. Sydney. 27 Sept 2023.
Anyanwu, C. (2023) Generative AI in South Australia Schools in Shape the Future of AI in Education: Teaching and Learning Conference. Flinders University, Adelaide 28th October 2023.
Anyanwu, C. (2022) Romancing with Stone, engaging silicon and marrying Data: Africa’s Creative Industry sovereignty in the age of digital platformisation at Contemplating Evolving Trends and Impermeable Places in Arts and Design conference, Durban University of Technology, South Africa.
Anyanwu, C. (2022). Me, Myself and My Writing: Considerations In Academic Publishing. Webinar On Academic Writing and Publishing for Early Careers and Graduate Students. Emerging Scholars Network, IAMCR, sponsored by Daystar University, Kenya.
Anyanwu, C. (2017) “Awards and Responsibilities: Challenging the youths of Tomorrow”. A Guest Speech at Bathurst High Campus Award Night. Denison College Bathurst, 5 Dec 2017.
Anyanwu, C. (2017) “What Was, What Is, and What We Do not know: A Reflection on Educational Transformations since the 1960s”. A keynote Speech at the 2017 Bathurst Teachers College Alumni Association, Annual General Meeting, Castlereagh Hotel, Sydney 18 Feb 2017
Anyanwu C. (2013) “You are now a graduate so, what?” Occasional Address to Graduates of Charles Sturt University Bathurst 18th December at the Blake Auditorium
Anyanwu C. (2011) Creative Industries and Entrepreneurial Programs in Nigerian Institutions: Challenges and Opportunities: Benue State University Public Lecture Series June 2011
Anyanwu C. (2009) Extending Yunus’ Social Business Enterprise (SBE) to Adelugba’s Intellectual Capital Development in Nigeria: Case study of Diasporic Contributions to Nigerian Economic Growth. Adelugba 70 Conference, Lagos Nigeria 28 Nov—5 Dec 2009
Anyanwu C. (2009) African Leadership and Development Failures: Quest for Alternative Strategies through Diasporic collaborations: Keynote Speech at the Leadership Values in Africa Conference Nsukka, Nigeria 1-3 Dec 2009
Anyanwu C. (2009) Media and the Law: A Guest Lecture delivered to Staff of Fresh FM Radio, Adelaide 14th February 2009
Anyanwu C. (2008) “Nurturing the Young: New Challenges and New Hope” Speech to Staff and Teachers of Nazareth Community School, Seaton, South Australia 3 June 2008
Anyanwu C. (2008) “Cry the Beloved Country: A Journey into Spiritual Growth Among the Youth” Talk given at the Spirituality in the Pub, Stanley Bridge Tavern, Verdun, South Australia 6 May 2008
Anyanwu C. (2007) Innovative Resistance in an era of market driven Educational policy: Challenges for Media and Communication Educators, Presidential Address Australia and New Zealand Communication Association International Conference, Centre for Media and Communication Law, University of Melbourne 5 July 2007
Anyanwu C (2007) ‘Works of Ken Saro Wiwa’, Adelaide Pen (Imprisoned Writers of Conscience) Adelaide Writers Week Mellor St. 23 March 2007
Anyanwu, C. (2006) ‘Virtual African Digital Story Project’ First Person Digital Story Conference, Australia Centre for the Moving Images Melbourne February 2006
California Assembly - Certificate of Recognition for Community Volunteering for Strengthening the Culture of Silicon Valley
US House of Representatives - Special Congressional Recognition for Extraordinary Leadership and Outstanding Individual Service to the Community
Australian African Chamber of Commerce - Excellence Award for Distinguished Service in Media Education
Dartmouth College - Leslie Humanities Research Fellowship in Cyberdisciplinarity
Curtin University - Cross-Cultural Staff Prize for Outstanding Contribution Toward Culturally Inclusive Curriculum and Internationalisation of Curriculum
Finders University Research Scholarship