The Department of Mass Communication at Usmanu Danfodiyo University is set to host its maiden international conference from June 7 to 8, 2026, with a focus on the growing relationship between media and emerging technologies. The conference, themed “Media and National Development in the Era of Artificial Intelligence,” will bring together academics, media professionals, researchers and policymakers from across the globe to examine the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on communication and national development.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by Dr. Danladi Bako, Chairman of the Organising Committee, who announced that former President of the United Nations General Assembly, Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, will serve as Chairman of the conference. According to Bako, activities will commence on June 7 with a pre-conference lecture to be delivered by Fatma El-Sayed of Cairo University at 1:00 p.m.

He explained that discussions at the conference would critically examine the intersection of media and artificial intelligence within the context of an increasingly dynamic digital environment. The official opening ceremony is scheduled for June 8 at the University Auditorium and will be performed by the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Bashir Garba, who is also the chief host of the event.

Expressing the university’s readiness to host the gathering, Prof. Garba said the institution was fully prepared to welcome members of the international academic community.

“We are very ready to host the international academic community,” he stated.

The statement further revealed that the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the University Governing Council, Attahiru Jega, alongside members of the council, will attend the opening ceremony. A major highlight of the conference will be the keynote lecture to be delivered by Kehbuma Langmia, a double Fulbright Scholar and professor at Howard University.

The event will also feature the unveiling of the maiden edition of the department’s academic journal, “Alkalami,” a publication expected to contribute significantly to research and scholarship in media and communication studies. The conference, Bako said; is anticipated to provide a platform for robust intellectual engagement on the opportunities, challenges and implications of artificial intelligence for media practice and national development in the 21st century.