LASU to Host ICCP 2026 as Nigeria Secures First-Ever Global Community Psychology Conference

Lagos State University (LASU) has been confirmed as the host of the 11th International Conference of Community Psychology (ICCP 2026), scheduled to hold from 28 August to 7 September 2026, marking the first time the prestigious global conference will take place in Nigeria.

The announcement was made on Monday, 12 January 2026, at a press conference addressed by the Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University, Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM.

Professor Olatunji-Bello described the hosting of ICCP 2026 as a major academic and national milestone, noting that it positions Nigeria more prominently within global conversations on community-centred psychological science. She said the conference offers Africa a historic opportunity to reconnect global psychological practice with indigenous knowledge, collective resilience, and community-driven solutions.

The theme of the conference, “Gathering in the Motherland: Celebrating Ways of the Waters and Reconnecting to the Source,” will be implemented in three phases: pre-conference activities from 28 to 30 August 2026; the main conference from 1 to 4 September 2026; and post-conference engagements from 5 to 7 September 2026.

The Vice-Chancellor explained that Community Psychology focuses on addressing systemic issues such as inequality and mental health through collaborative and community-based approaches rather than individual-level interventions alone. She also highlighted Lagos State’s position as Nigeria’s commercial and innovation hub, adding that LASU’s strong academic tradition makes it an ideal host for the global gathering.

Professor Olatunji-Bello assured that international delegates would enjoy both rigorous academic engagement and the cultural richness of Lagos. The conference is being organised in partnership with the Nigerian Psychological Association and the Pan-African Psychology Union, with endorsements from international bodies including the American Psychological Association.

She further disclosed that comprehensive security and accessibility arrangements have been put in place with state authorities to ensure a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all participants, including persons with disabilities and individuals of diverse identities.

The press conference drew strong support from government, labour, and academic leaders. Among those present were Honourable Solomon Bonu of the Lagos State House of Assembly; the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Funmi Agnes Sessi; the President of the Pan-African Psychology Union, Professor Andrew Zamani; the Alternate Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee, Professor Temitayo D. Adewuyi; and the ICCP Convener from the United States, Dr. Moshood Olanrewaju. They jointly noted that hosting ICCP 2026 would enhance LASU’s global profile, promote Africa’s intellectual contributions, boost tourism and local economic activity, and help reshape dominant narratives in psychological research.

Professor Olatunji-Bello called on the media, corporate organisations, and development partners to support the event through sponsorships and partnerships, stressing that the conference represents both a global collaboration platform and a national opportunity. Members of the University’s management team were also in attendance.