NSUK Hosts International Conference on Indigenous Knowledge, Religion and Digital Innovation

Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing research and preserving Africa's cultural heritage by hosting the second International Conference on Language, Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) and Religion in the Digital World.

The conference, held on July 14, 2026, at the University Assembly Hall, attracted scholars, government officials, religious leaders, policymakers, students and other stakeholders to examine how language, indigenous knowledge and religion can remain relevant in an increasingly digital society.

Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sa'adatu Hassan Liman, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Halima Aliyu Doma-Kutigi, declared the conference open and described it as a timely platform for intellectual engagement. She commended the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies for organizing an event that addresses the realities of a rapidly evolving digital age.

Professor Doma-Kutigi said language, religion and indigenous knowledge remain fundamental to sustainable development and social cohesion. She noted that religion has historically served as a custodian of language and stressed that integrating Indigenous Knowledge Systems into modern scholarship would strengthen interdisciplinary research while providing practical solutions to emerging societal challenges.

She also reaffirmed the University's commitment, under the leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, to supporting academic initiatives that promote innovation, safeguard cultural heritage and contribute to global scholarship.

In his welcome address, the Head of the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, Dr. Ishaya Owusakyo Oyiwose, expressed appreciation to the University Management, participants and development partners for their support. He particularly commended the Vice-Chancellor for her sustained investment in research, academic excellence and intellectual development.

Dr. Oyiwose described language as more than a means of communication, saying it represents the identity, history, values, worldview and collective wisdom of every society. He added that religion and indigenous knowledge systems continue to play a vital role in preserving cultural heritage and promoting ethical values.

Delivering the keynote lecture titled "Reimagining Language, Indigenous Knowledge System and Religious Expression in the Digital Age," Professor Amodu Eneojoh Jonah examined the relationship between language, indigenous knowledge, religion and digital technology.

Professor Jonah identified key challenges facing indigenous knowledge in the digital era, including ownership and consent, cultural misrepresentation and algorithmic bias, noting that many digital platforms and artificial intelligence systems continue to prioritise Western data over African languages and indigenous knowledge.

He called for stronger collaboration among governments, universities, technology developers and local communities to develop artificial intelligence systems trained on African languages and indigenous cultural datasets. He also advocated the establishment of community-owned digital platforms, expanded digital literacy programmes, greater investment in indigenous content creation and support for cultural entrepreneurship as measures to preserve Africa's cultural identity in the digital age.

The conference featured goodwill messages from the Divisional Police Officer of Anguwan Lambu, Mr. Idrisu John Kennedy; Dr. Abdulkarim Umar of the Department of Philosophy, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; Venerable Jibailu Yerima Dabong, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Nasarawa State on Christian Religious Affairs; and Hon. Jonathan Gaza Gbefwi, who represents the Karu, Keffi and Kokona Federal Constituency.

The speakers commended the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies for successfully organising the conference and praised the leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sa'adatu Hassan Liman, for fostering an environment that promotes quality research, academic collaboration and intellectual discourse. They emphasised that preserving indigenous knowledge, language and ethical values through responsible digital innovation remains critical to national development.

The conference concluded with the presentation of Awards of Excellence to the keynote speaker and other distinguished personalities in recognition of their contributions to scholarship, cultural preservation and national development.

The successful hosting of the conference further strengthens Nasarawa State University, Keffi's reputation as a centre for academic excellence, research innovation and global intellectual engagement, while reinforcing its commitment to advancing indigenous knowledge systems as valuable tools for addressing contemporary challenges in the digital age.