Caleb University to host HR, journalism conferences on workforce resilience, digital innovation
The management of Caleb University, on Tuesday, announced plans to host two conferences aimed at addressing emerging challenges in Nigeria’s human resources and journalism sectors, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and academics.
Speaking at the press conference ahead of the conferences, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olalekan Asikhia, revealed that the institution would host the HR Space Conference 2026 and the Journalism Outlook Conference 2026 on July 21 and July 20, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and media professionals to discuss practical solutions to workforce and digital media challenges.
The HR Space Conference 2026 is scheduled for July 21, 2026, at the Marriott Hotel, Lagos, under the theme: “Reimagining HR for Business Resilience and Growth: Leading Nigeria’s Workforce Through Disruption and Innovation.”
Asikhia stated, “This conference arrives at a crucial moment. Nigeria’s workforce faces rising inflation, widening talent gaps, and the disruptive impact of artificial intelligence. Yet within these challenges lie opportunities for resilience, innovation, and sustainable growth. HR leaders must be at the forefront of shaping strategies that prepare our organisations and our nation for the future of work.”
He revealed that the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, will grace the occasion, while Norwegian journalist and media executive, Kirsten Marie Myklebust, will serve as the lead facilitator, bringing expertise in digital product development and content strategy from her work with Amedia, Schibsted, and Equinor.
He said, “The conference is being organised in collaboration with the Nigeria Institute of Journalism (NIJ), the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), in partnership with the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM), the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN), the University of Cambridge, UK, and the University of Greater Manchester, UK.
“The conference will be chaired by Alhaji Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, with His Excellency, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, Executive Governor of Lagos State, gracing the event as Special Guest of Honour. We will be joined by notable speakers, including the Group Managing Director of Zenith Bank Plc, the President of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM), and the President of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN).”
He further stated that local newspapers, once the heartbeat of community engagement, now face unprecedented digital challenges and that these challenges also present opportunities for reinvention, innovation, and global relevance.
“Our goal is to provide a robust platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and actionable insights that will strengthen the sustainability of Nigerian journalism and HR,” the VC stated.
He said that, just as European media moved from mainstream to the digital world, the conference serves as “an opportunity to reinvent Nigerian journalism and ensure that our newspapers remain relevant, sustainable, and impactful on the global stage.”
He noted that both conferences reflect Caleb University’s commitment to excellence, global collaboration, and practical impact. He urged leaders, policymakers, practitioners, and scholars to be part of the event, assuring them that it will help shape a vibrant and sustainable media ecosystem for Nigeria and beyond.
‘People don’t choose crime when meaningful opportunities exist’ — Prof. Asikhia
Speaking on national security, Asikhia said economic hardship and unemployment remain one of the major factors of insecurity in Nigeria, noting that many people resort to crime because they lack opportunities.
He said, “people do not willingly choose violence or crime when they have meaningful work, opportunities, and hope,” he noted.
He stressed the need for government policies that create employment opportunities, strengthen local communication channels and provide citizens with confidence in the future.
“When you examine these issues carefully, you will appreciate that the real goal is to tackle the nation’s problems. Human resource management has a major responsibility because people are the nation’s greatest resource. As circumstances change, the dynamics also change, and these changing dynamics should help reduce the challenges facing Africa. With better policies and proper implementation, we have a greater chance of building a better future.”