UNILAG hosts NIGERCON 2026 to discuss AI governance and digital transformation

Experts, policymakers and industry leaders gathered at the University of Lagos to discuss African-led digital transformation, reliable infrastructure and artificial intelligence governance. The event took place during the 2026 International Conference on Digital Transformation, organised by the Nigeria Section of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers at the UNILAG Guest Houses and Conference Centre.

The two-day conference ran from Thursday, November 5 to Friday, November 6, 2026, under the theme of converging emerging technologies for resilient economies. Representing Vice-Chancellor Professor Folasade Tolulope Ogunsola, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Afolabi Lesi noted that the conference aligned with the university's Future-Ready Agenda. This agenda focuses on financial sustainability, funded research, curriculum restructuring and preparing staff and students for a digital future. Professor Ogunsola compared digital literacy to reading and writing, stressing that individuals without these skills risk being left behind.

Bridging Research and Infrastructure

Professor Engineer Nasiru Faruk delivered a welcome address on behalf of IEEE Nigeria Section Chair Engineer Professor Ifeyinwa E. Achumba. He highlighted the gap between academic research and practical industry applications as a major challenge. Lagos State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources Mr. Biodun Ogunleye spoke on the reliance of digital services on reliable electricity, noting that Lagos State faces an estimated electricity demand of 12 gigawatts against one gigawatt supplied through the national grid.

Dr. Armstrong Ume Takang, Managing Director of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated, discussed Project Bridge, an initiative valued at approximately $2 billion to deploy 90,000 kilometres of open-access fibre-optic infrastructure across Nigeria. He stated the project aims to connect about 38,800 schools and 17,000 healthcare facilities while creating roughly 15,000 jobs. NOVA Bank representative Mr. Olakunle Fasasi Dauda also urged engineers to design accessible technologies that account for users with limited connectivity and disabilities.

Panel Sessions and Career Fair

Panel discussions at the event explored ethical artificial intelligence frameworks for African contexts and data sovereignty. Speakers included Tinuade Oguntuyi, Dr. Ihuoma Kelechi Iloabino, Michael Alabi, Monsuru Sodeeq and Isreal Ayomide Fehintola. They addressed the importance of local datasets, fundamental rights, human oversight and balancing data exports with domestic capacity building. Additionally, the conference featured a career fair for engineering students to explore career pathways and industry requirements.