UNICAL to Host Conference on Indigenous Knowledge, Communication

The University of Calabar (UNICAL) is set to host the 26th Annual International Conference of the African Council for Communication Education (ACCE), Nigeria chapter, from October 21–24, 2025.

This annual conference organized by the Department of Mass Communication, UNICAL is themed “Communication and Indigenous Knowledge Systems in the Era of AI, Big Data, and Cultural Transformation”.

The event will bring together scholars, media professionals, and policymakers aimed to examine the role of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) in the digital age.

In an interactive season with some newsmen in Calabar, the Chairman of the Conference Organizing Committee, Dr. Lawrence Ekwok, emphasised the significance of the event, stating, that the conference will explore strategies for preserving and integrating traditional knowledge in an era shaped by Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, and Virtual Reality.

He noted that the discussions will cover critical areas such as journalism, broadcasting, media ethics, public relations, advertising, and development communication.

“This platform will foster critical discussions on how indigenous knowledge can coexist with emerging technologies while ensuring Africa’s cultural heritage remains relevant,” he said.

“The ACCE has invited researchers to submit abstracts on key sub-themes, with a submission deadline of August 24, 2025. Early-bird registration remains open until May 30, 2025, offering participants access to high-level networking and knowledge-sharing sessions on Indigenous Knowledge Systems in modern communication.”

The ACCE National Secretary, Dr. Obituru Pepple, reaffirmed the conference’s importance, noting that it will challenge scholars and professionals to rethink indigenous communication methods in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape.

According to the Don, with 14 diverse sub-themes, the conference aims to address the marginalisation of indigenous knowledge systems and explore pathways for their meaningful integration into Africa’s digital and communication ecosystem.

“As nations across the continent navigate the balance between technological innovation and cultural preservation, this UNICAL-hosted conference is poised to shape future academic and policy discussions on indigenous knowledge in the digital era.”