ICA Nigeria Chapter Hosts National Conference on Communication Transformations
The International Communication Association (ICA) Nigeria Chapter has successfully concluded its inaugural national conference, focusing on the dynamic shifts in global communication and the implications for research in Nigeria, across Africa, and in the international arena.
Held at Nile University in Abuja, the conference attracted a diverse group of participants, including communication scholars, industry professionals, organizational leaders, and representatives from ICA chapters in India, Indonesia, and Kenya.
Notable attendees included officials from Nigeria’s media and communications sectors, who emphasized the necessity of advancing the communications and media landscape in Nigeria. Their remarks underscored the importance of positioning Nigeria as a leader not only in Africa but on a global scale.
Themed “Global Change in Communication and its Impact on Africa,” the conference encouraged young African scholars to actively participate in innovative collaborations with established academics and resource-rich institutions in Western nations to enhance their global influence.
Dr. Timothy Onyejelem, a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Journalism and Media Studies at Otuoke Federal University in Bayelsa State, presented a sub-theme titled “Changing Global Trends in Audiovisual Content Production: Implications for Digital Entrepreneurs in Nigeria.” His insights highlighted the burgeoning digital entrepreneurship scene within Nigeria’s creative industry, as innovators harness technology for economic advancement.
Dr. Onyejelem pointed out that local creators are generating compelling content that resonates with both domestic and international audiences, positioning Nigeria as a formidable player in the global creator economy. With more than 100 million internet users, Nigeria stands as one of Africa’s most vibrant digital markets.
Moreover, he urged content creators in Nigeria to transition from merely consuming digital platforms to mastering the technologies that underpin the global creator economy, asserting that this shift is essential for maintaining global competitiveness.
The panel discussion also brought attention to the upcoming ICA conference set for June 4-6, 2026, marking a significant event in African communication scholarship, along with the celebration of ICA Nigeria’s third anniversary. Participants from 51 institutions and organizations across Nigeria contributed research papers on various sub-themes pertinent to the conference.
During this event, ICA Nigeria elected new leadership, transitioning from founding chair Dr. Ekaete George of the University of Port Harcourt to Professor Desmond Okocha of Bingham University. This change marks a pivotal moment for ICA Nigeria’s organizing team as they strive to advance communication studies in the region.
