Management of Lagos State University (LASU), professional bodies and leading figures from Africa have perfected plans to forge a path to tackle the systemic human development challenges facing the continent.
This step will be achieved during the 11th International Conference of Community Psychology (ICCP 2026) to be hosted by Lagos State University (LASU), which will bring together over 700 participants expected from across Africa and the rest of the world present a paradigm shift in psychology’s approach to issues in Africa.
According to the host LASU, the Nigerian Psychological Association and the Pan-African Psychology Union (PAPU), some of what the stakeholders will deliberate on come August 28 through to September 7, 2026, in Lagos is some bold ideas that will, through collaboration with communities, help develop sustainable solutions to a lot of issues.
Speaking at a press conference held to officially unveil the conference and create public awareness, Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, vice-chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU), said the conference is a major global platform dedicated to Community Psychology, an action-oriented field focused on promoting wellbeing, social justice, empowerment, and systemic change at community and societal levels.
She said that the conference will bring about a paradigm shift in psychology’s approach to addressing Africa’s systemic human development challenges.
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.
“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 said.
With the theme: “Gathering in the Motherland: Celebrating Ways of the Waters and Reconnecting to the Source,” she said the ICCP 2026 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.
Thus, explained further that part of its primary goal is to promote well-being and positive change at the community and societal levels, not merely at the individual level.
Other Convener of the Conference, Andrew Zanami, and Moshood Olanrewaju, stated 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.
The vice chancellor further said that as the primary host institution in Nigeria, alongside its partners, would anchor ICCP 2026 within Nigeria’s academic landscape and the broader African and global psychological community.
She assured the global audience, multidisciplinary practitioners and eminent scholars of adequate safety and security, transportation, entertainment, and accommodation, adding that Lagos is the safest state in the country and as all these were provided to international standards to ensure a safe, comfortable, and rewarding stay in Lagos, Nigeria.
Commenting further, Olatunji-Bello said that hosting the international conference in Lagos would provide Africa with a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to global research and innovation in Community Psychology.
Temitayo Adewuyi, the Alternative Chairperson of the LOC, said the hosting of ICCP 2026 by LASU will positively impact on the university and Nigeria significantly.
On his part, Andrew Zamani, the convener and a key international stakeholder, highlighted the importance of developing African-centred community psychology frameworks, including systems, modules, and interventions tailored to local realities across the continent.
Bonu Solomon, representing Badagry Constituency I, said the conference would project Lagos State positively to the global community. He expressed pride in being part of the Local Organising Committee and called on private organisations, corporate bodies, and other stakeholders to support the successful hosting of the event.
