LASU to Make History as Host of 11th International Conference of Community Psychology in 2026

Lagos State University has been confirmed as the host of the 11th International Conference of Community Psychology (ICCP 2026), scheduled to take place from 28th August to 7th September 2026, marking a historic milestone as the first time the conference will be hosted in Nigeria, with Lagos State University taking the lead role.

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

Professor Olatunji-Bello, in in her address, averred: “This conference provides a historic opportunity for Africa to reconnect global psychological practice to indigenous wisdom, collective resilience, and community-centred solutions,” she declared.

She described the hosting of ICCP 2026 as a major academic and national achievement that places Nigeria more firmly within global conversations on community-centred psychological science.

The theme of the international conference, “Gathering in the Motherland: Celebrating Ways of the Waters and Reconnecting to the Source", which has been structured into three phases: 

a. Pre-conference activities from 28th to 30th August 2026; 

b. Main conference from 1st to 4th September 2026; and

c. Post-conference engagements from 5th to 7th September 2026.

Professor Olatunji-Bello emphasised that the discipline of Community Psychology goes beyond individual-level interventions to address systemic issues like such as inequality and mental health through collaborative, community-driven approaches.

She highlighted Lagos State's readiness as Nigeria’s safest commercial hub, a centre of excellence known for innovation and diversity, and affirmed that LASU’s strong tradition of scholarship makes it an ideal host.  

The Vice-Chancellor assured that delegates from all over the world would experience both high-level academic discourse and the cultural richness of Lagos. The event is organised in partnership with the Nigerian Psychological Association and the Pan-African Psychology Union and has gained endorsements from bodies worldwide, including the American Psychological Association.

Addressing safety and inclusivity, the Vice-Chancellor stated that comprehensive arrangements with the State and security agencies are in place to ensure a secure and accessible environment for all participants, including those with disabilities and diverse identities.

The press conference featured a unified front of university and community leadership, where other key speakers reinforced the importance of the event.  

A Member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Honourable Solomon BONU; the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade (Chief) Funmi Agnes SESSI; and the President of the Pan-African Psychology Union (PAPU), Professor Andrew ZAMANI, were joined by some members of the conference's Local Organising Committee (LOC), including the Alternate Chairperson, Professor Temitayo D. ADEWUYI, as well as the Convener of ICCP, from the United States of America, Dr Moshood OLANREWAJU. Together, they underscored the conference's broad significance, stating that hosting ICCP 2026 would strengthen LASU’s global profile, promote Africa’s intellectual contributions, stimulate local economic activity and tourism, and help reshape dominant narratives in psychological knowledge.

Professor Olatunji-Bello concluded by calling on the media, corporate organisations, and development partners to support the conference through sponsorships, framing it as a platform for global collaboration and national opportunity. She offered a firm reassurance: “Lagos State is safe, welcoming, and ready to receive the world.” With this historic event, LASU proudly affirms its place on the global stage.

Members of Lagos State University Management were all in attendance.