Prof. Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, former President of the United Nations General Assembly, is set to chair the inaugural Mass Communication International Conference at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS). The event will commence with a pre-conference lecture by Prof. Fatma El-Sayed of Cairo University, Egypt, scheduled for Sunday, June 7, 2026, at 1:00 PM.
Conference Leadership and Opening Ceremony
In a statement released by the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Dr. Danladi Bako, it was confirmed that Muhammad-Bande, a former Vice Chancellor of UDUS, expressed delight at being honored to chair the first International Conference on Media and its intersection with Artificial Intelligence in an ever-changing digital world. The opening ceremony is slated for Monday, June 8, at the university auditorium. The Vice Chancellor, who serves as the Chief Host, stated, “We are very ready to host the international academic community.”
Distinguished Attendees and Keynote Speaker
The Organising Committee also informed the media that the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the University Governing Council, Professor Attahiru Jega, along with council members, will attend the opening ceremony. A highlight of the conference will be the keynote lecture delivered by double Fulbright scholar Professor Kehbuma Langmia of Howard University, Washington DC, USA.
Conference Theme and Academic Discourse
The theme of the conference is “Media and National Development in the Era of Artificial Intelligence.” This theme is expected to set the trajectory for robust intellectual discussions among lead paper presenters and panelists drawn from various Nigerian universities and stakeholders in Nigerian society. The conference aims to explore the dynamic relationship between media and national development in the context of rapidly advancing artificial intelligence technologies.
Journal Launch and Event Duration
It is anticipated that the Department of Mass Communication at UDUS will unveil the maiden edition of its journal, titled ALKALAMI Journal of Communication and Media Studies, during the conference. The four-day event, running from June 7 to June 10, promises to be memorable and fulfilling for visitors and the academic community at large. Participants can expect a series of engaging sessions, networking opportunities, and scholarly exchanges that will contribute to the advancement of media studies in Nigeria and beyond.
