ICCP 2026: Lagos proudly stands as Centre of Excellence, intellectual leadership, cultural vibrancy —  Prof. Olatunji-Bello 

The Vice Chancellor, Lagos State University (LASU) Prof. Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, on Monday, January 12, 2026, disclosed that Lagos State proudly stands as a Centre of Excellence renowned for intellectual leadership, cultural vibrancy, economic vitality and innovation.

The Vice Chancellor stated this at a press briefing heralding the 11th International Conference of Community Psychology (ICCP 2026), which will be hosted by Lagos State University (LASU), Nigeria, from August 28th to September 7th, 2026.

Being the Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee of the conference, Prof. Olatunji-Bello said that the press engagement was part of the strategic efforts to sensitise the public, stimulate participation, and mobilise partnerships and sponsorships at national, regional, and global levels.

She stated that the ICCP 2026 would be held in three distinct phases: Pre-Conference Activities which will take place between August 28th and 30th, 2026; the Main Conference: September 1st – 4th, 2026; and Post-Conference Activities: September 5th – 7th, 2026.  She added that each phase has been carefully designed to maximise academic engagement, community interaction, professional networking, and cultural exchange.

Speaking on Community Psychology, Prof Olatunji-Bello said Community Psychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on the relationship between individuals and their social, cultural, economic, and physical environments. “Its primary goal is to promote well-being and positive change at community and societal levels, not merely at the individual level.

It is an action-oriented discipline that applies research to address social injustice, mental health challenges, empowerment, and systemic inequalities by working collaboratively with communities as partners to develop sustainable solutions.”

She declared that the theme of ICCP 2026 is “Gathering in the Motherland: Celebrating Ways of the Waters and Reconnecting to the Source.”

The Vice Chancellor maintained that the theme reflects Africa as the cradle of humanity and knowledge and underscores the need to reconnect global psychological practice to indigenous wisdom, collective resilience, and community-centred solutions relevant to Africa and the world.

Prof. Olatunji-Bello explained the reason Lagos State and Lagos State University were selected to host the conference. “Lagos State is Nigeria’s most populous state, it is the safest commercial hub, and a destination of choice for tourism, trade missions, innovation, and global engagement. Individuals, visitors, tourists, and foreign partners arrive daily in Lagos for diverse purposes and leave fulfilled.

“Hosting ICCP 2026 at Lagos State University, a leading public tertiary institution with a strong tradition of scholarship, community engagement, and regional impact, further affirms LASU’s role as a hub for international academic exchange. Conference participants will not only engage in high-level scholarly discourse but will also experience the rich cultural, social, and creative offerings of Lagos State,” she stated.

Unveiling the Host Institutions and Strategic Partnerships, she said that the Local Organising Committee of ICCP 2026 is pleased to formally announce Lagos State University as the primary host institution in Nigeria, in partnership with the Nigerian Psychological Association and the Pan-African Psychology Union. “Together, these institutions anchor ICCP 2026 within Nigeria’s academic landscape and the broader African and global psychological community.

“We assure our global audience, including multidisciplinary practitioners and eminent scholars, of adequate safety, security, transportation, entertainment, and accommodation, all provided to international standards to ensure a safe, comfortable, and rewarding stay in Lagos, Nigeria,” she said.

Speaking on the Endorsements and International Support, Prof. Olatunji-Bello added that the ICCP 2026 has already received strong support, endorsement, and partnership from reputable professional bodies and institutions, including the Pan-African Psychology Union, Nigerian Psychological Association, Zimbabwe Psychological Association, Ghana Psychological Association, Psychological Society of South Africa, and Tanzanian Psychological Association.

She stated that the international institutional partners include the American Psychological Association, Adler University, DePaul University, Victoria University, National Louis University, and the University of South Africa, among others, with partnerships continuing to expand.

The erudite Professor further spoke on Africa’s Contribution to Global Psychology, saying “ICCP 2026 will introduce a paradigm shift in psychology’s approach to addressing Africa’s systemic human development challenges. Hosting this conference in Nigeria provides Africa with a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to global research and innovation in Community Psychology.

“The discipline offers tools to address structural poverty, political instability, nepotism, and economic self-sabotage, whose devastating consequences include psychological trauma, unprecedented mental health challenges, and complex social pathologies that have resisted traditional clinical and person-centred approaches,” she said.

On Security, Safety, and Logistics Assurance, she said, “We recognise that some international delegates may have questions regarding safety and security. We therefore state clearly and confidently that Lagos State is safe, secure, and open to the world. The Local Planning Committee, in collaboration with Lagos State University and relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of the Lagos State Government, is working closely with security agencies, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and other institutions to ensure robust safety planning, smooth entry processes, and a welcoming environment for all delegates.

“Security arrangements will include inter-agency collaboration, university security deployment, crowd control measures, VIP and dignitary protection, and continuous patrol and surveillance throughout the conference period,” she stated.

Olatunji-Bello also revealed that accommodations are being actively planned for individuals with speech, hearing, and visual impairments, as well as participants of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, adding that LASU’s ICT and Multimedia Units, in collaboration with the Centre for Information and Public Relations, have developed strategies to ensure inclusive participation for all attendees.

On Tourism, Hospitality, and Economic Opportunities, she said,

“We acknowledge the collaboration of state tourism and hospitality agencies, multinational corporations, and strategic partners whose engagement strengthens conference infrastructure and enhances the experience of our international guests.

“We therefore call on governments at all levels, multinational companies, philanthropists, and public and private organisations to partner with and support Lagos State and Lagos State University in hosting this global event. ICCP 2026 offers significant opportunities for branding, advertising, networking, and commercial engagement,” Olatunji-Bello added.

On Creative Academic Innovation and Community Impact, the Vice Chancellor stated that ICCP 2026 is more than an academic conference. “It is a global invitation to experience Lagos State and Lagos State University as spaces of knowledge production, innovation, hospitality, and openness.

“We invite the media to partner with us in telling the stories that will emerge, stories of community service, innovation, and global collaboration that will endure beyond the conference,” she stated.

“I use this opportunity to formally welcome members of the media, bloggers, and influencers to partner with us in amplifying awareness of ICCP 2026.

“Your collaboration will promote participation, partnerships, and sponsorships that will advance community services in Lagos State, Nigeria, and Africa. ICCP 2026 will intensify collaboration between gown and town, strengthen global dialogue, and deepen shared commitment to advancing community-centred psychological science and social impact,” the VC stated

In conclusion, the Vice Chancellor stated that  LASU is honoured to host ICCP 2026 in partnership with the Nigerian Psychological Association and the Pan-African Psychology Union.

She said, “The conference reflects our shared commitment to academic excellence, accessibility, inclusion, and global collaboration. We look forward to welcoming delegates from around the world to Lagos State University for ICCP 2026.”