The ancient city of Sokoto, historically recognized as the seat of the Caliphate, is preparing to welcome a global gathering of media scholars, tech experts, and communication specialists.

Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) has announced it will host its inaugural Mass Communication International Conference from June 7th to 10th, 2026.

The timely four-day event is centered around the critical theme: “Media and National Development in the Era of Artificial Intelligence.”

Organisers highlight that the conference comes at a pivotal moment. As AI rapidly redefines global industries, the developing world faces an urgent challenge to keep pace. The presentations and discussions aim to chart a course for how media can leverage these emerging technologies to foster tangible national development rather than falling further behind.

The milestone event also marks exactly five years since the successful inception and full accreditation of the university’s Department of Mass Communication.

“We are fully ready and surely we will witness an international conference worthy of the reputation of our university.”

Dr. Jibril Gwandu, Head of the Department of Mass Communication, UDUS

Under the overarching leadership of UDUS Vice-Chancellor, Professor Bashir Garba MFR, the organizing committee has assembled a high-profile lineup of international and domestic academic heavyweights:

Keynote Address: To be delivered by double Fulbright Scholar Prof. Kehbuma Langmia of Howard University, Washington DC.

Pre-Conference Lecture: Set to be delivered by Professor Fatma El-Sayed, a distinguished media scholar from Cairo University, Egypt.

Technical Session Chairs: High-level presentations will be presided over by Professor Umar Pate (former VC of Federal University Kashere, Gombe State) and Professor Mukhtar Umar Bunza (current VC of Northwest University, Sokoto).

Lead Paper Presenters: Prominent researchers including Dr. Ola Ifatimehin (Bayero University, Kano) and Dr. Sam Unwana Akpan (University of Lagos) will present core insights into media systems and AI integration.

The Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Dr. Danladi Bako., along with departmental leadership, has assured incoming visitors and the broader university community of a seamless, world-class experience.

With logistics finalised, Sokoto is poised to serve as the epicenter of crucial conversations surrounding Africa’s digital media future over the four-day summit.