Federal University Lokoja to Host Maiden International Conference on SME Growth and Economic Resilience

The Department of Business Administration, Federal University Lokoja, has announced plans to host its first International Conference in a hybrid format, bringing together academics, industry leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to discuss strategies for strengthening Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in emerging economies.

The conference is scheduled to hold from July 15 to 16, 2026, at the Federal University Multipurpose Hall, Felele Campus, Lokoja.

With the theme “From Idea to Scale: Building Resilient SMEs in Emerging Markets – Pathways, Finance, and Policies that Help Small Firms Survive and Grow Amid Economic Volatility in Nigeria,” the event is designed to foster practical dialogue on innovation, financing models, and policy frameworks that support SME sustainability and expansion in challenging economic environments.

According to the organisers, the maiden edition will feature participation from distinguished scholars, industry experts, development practitioners, government officials, and business leaders.

The Vice Chancellor of Federal University Lokoja, Professor Gbenga S. Ibileye, MNAL, FESAN, FLAN, will serve as Chief Host of the conference.

The event will also feature Alhaji Sule Salihu Enehe, Executive Chairman of the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service, as Keynote Speaker, while Professor A. A. Ameh, Director of the Entrepreneurship Skills Development Centre at Prince Abubakar Audu University, will deliver the lead paper presentation.

The conference is open to participants from academic and professional backgrounds, with selected high-quality papers to be published in the Departmental International Journal.

Registration fees have been set at ₦5,000 for abstract submission, ₦10,000 for postgraduate students, ₦5,000 for undergraduate students, $70 for foreign participants, and ₦100,000 for institutional participants. Students are required to present valid proof of studentship.

Abstracts and proof of payment are to be submitted via business.administration@fulokoja.edu.ng.

Payment is to be made into the Zenith Bank account named “Dept of Business Admin Conference / Journal FUL,” account number 1311549275.

The Local Organizing Committee Chairman, Dr. Peter Ugbedeojo Nelson, encouraged researchers and professionals to take advantage of the platform, noting that the conference is positioned to contribute meaningfully to national and global conversations on SME resilience, innovation, and sustainable economic development.