LASU, OOU, NIJ Students Join BJAN Conference on AI and Advertising Innovation

More than 100 students from Lagos State University (LASU), Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) and the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Ogba, are expected to participate in the Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria (BJAN) conference on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the future of advertising in Nigeria.

The conference, scheduled for Friday, November 6, 2026, in Lagos, will bring together students, academics, advertising practitioners, marketing professionals, brand communication experts and technology stakeholders to examine the growing influence of AI on the country’s advertising industry.

With the theme, “Advertising in Nigeria & AI: Who Needs Creative Agency?”, the event will provide a platform for industry stakeholders to explore how emerging technologies are reshaping advertising practice, creative agency operations, marketing strategies and professional training.

The participation of students from the three institutions is expected to enrich discussions on the implications of AI for communication education, research, curriculum development and career opportunities in the evolving advertising and marketing industries.

As AI-powered tools become increasingly integrated into content creation, consumer research, campaign planning and audience engagement, the conference will examine how educational institutions and industry practitioners can equip emerging communication professionals with the skills required to remain relevant in a technology-driven environment.

It will also explore how advertising agencies can leverage AI to improve efficiency and campaign performance while preserving human creativity, strategic thinking, cultural intelligence and professional judgment.

Among the speakers expected at the conference are the Director-General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo; Group Chief Executive Officer of Prima Garnet, Mr. Lolu Akinwunmi; and Head of Corporate Communications at Sahara Group, Bethel Obioma.

They are expected to share perspectives on advertising regulation, creative agency management, brand strategy and corporate communication in the age of AI.

The conference will also feature a panel session moderated by the Chief Executive Officer of Lead Central and author of Integrated Marketing, Tolulope A. Modasbem.

Other panellists include Angela Ukara-Makinde, Chief Engagement Strategist at EXP Marketing Nigeria and Vice President of BJAN; Adeola Amosun, Group Media Manager at Tolaram Group; Dr. Seyi Akindeinde, Founder of Hyperspace Technologies; George Isitu-Okukwe, Chief Executive Officer of TBWA\Concept; and Dr. Oludare Ogunyemi, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, Caleb University, Imota, Lagos State.

Speaking ahead of the conference, BJAN Chairman, Mr. Daniel Obi, said the gathering would provide an opportunity for industry professionals and other stakeholders to exchange ideas on the implications of AI for brand building and the future of advertising practice in Nigeria.

Discussions are expected to cover the opportunities AI offers for improving productivity, developing targeted campaigns and enhancing marketing performance, as well as concerns surrounding intellectual property, data privacy, originality and the impact of automation on employment and professional skills.

The event is also expected to strengthen collaboration between industry practitioners and academic institutions, particularly in identifying the competencies and ethical standards required to prepare future communication professionals for emerging industry demands.

The conference will hold at the Luxury Event Centre, 2, M.K.O. Abiola Drive, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.

Through its annual conference, BJAN seeks to promote professional development, knowledge exchange and innovation among stakeholders in advertising, marketing, journalism, corporate communications and related fields.