UniCal to host ACCE international conference

The University of Calabar (UniCal) will host the 26th Annual International Conference of the African Council for Communication Education (ACCE).

The conference, scheduled for Oct. 21–24, has the theme: ‘Communication and Indigenous Knowledge Systems in the Era of AI, Big Data, and Cultural Transformation.’

Speaking in Calabar on Thursday, Dr Lawrence Ekwok, Chairman of the Conference Organising Committee, said the event would bring together scholars, media professionals, and policymakers from across Africa and beyond.

Ekwok noted that UniCal’s Department of Mass Communication would host the event. It aims to explore how Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) can be preserved amid digital transformation.

He added that ACCE had invited abstract submissions from researchers interested in presenting at the conference. The submission deadline is set for Aug. 24.

“Registration is open until May 30, offering participants opportunities for networking and discussions on the future of IKS in Africa’s communication landscape.

“Prospective participants should submit abstracts aligned with sub-themes such as journalism, public relations, advertising, and political communication to accenigeriaconferences@gmail.com,” he stated.

Similarly, ACCE National Secretary, Dr Ibituru Pepple, said the conference would contribute to policy discussions as African nations balance technological progress with cultural preservation.

Pepple stated that the event would challenge attendees to critically examine ways to preserve and adapt indigenous communication systems within modern frameworks.