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The local organising committee of the 1st National Conference on Science, Technology and Innovation Communication (STICOMMSLOC) in collaboration with the African University of Science and Technology (AUST) has announced that the maiden edition of the conference will hold in Abuja from October 21 to 23, 2025 at the AUST campus.
The conference will focus on the theme “Communicating Science, Technology and Innovation for National Development.”
Chairman of the committee, Dr. Bosco Okolo-Obi disclosed this during a pre-conference press briefing at AUST in Abuja. He explained that the gathering is designed to bring together critical stakeholders to promote research, policies and practices that can transform Nigeria’s science, technology and innovation (STI) landscape.
According to him, Nigeria’s ambition of building a knowledge economy will remain unrealised unless research outcomes are effectively translated into policies, products and public awareness. The upcoming conference, he stressed, seeks to bridge this gap.
“For the first time, we are bringing together researchers, industry leaders, policymakers, the media, educators and the public on a single platform to chart a new course,” Okolo-Obi said. “Our focus will be on breaking barriers of technical language, strengthening partnerships, training a new generation of science communicators and advocating for policies that institutionalise science communication in Nigeria.”
He added that the initiative is aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda, which emphasises innovation-driven growth, economic diversification, human capital development and inclusive governance. By fostering stronger links between research and practical application, Okolo-Obi said the conference would contribute directly to building a Nigeria where knowledge is converted into wealth and innovation generates opportunities for citizens.
Acknowledging the role of the media, he urged journalists to take ownership of the process, stressing that the event will become an annual platform to strengthen science communication and sustain national development.
In his remarks, president of the African University of Science and Technology, Prof. Peter Onwualu highlighted the university’s contributions to innovation in Africa. He revealed that the institution has secured 10 patents in the last year, which are now awaiting commercialisation.
He explained that AUST was established in 2007 to produce highly skilled manpower for Africa and to address the continent’s pressing challenges. According to him, research and innovation at the institution are focused on solving real problems in health, agriculture, transportation, energy and security.
“Over the years, the university has done a lot in producing high-level manpower for Africa using Africa as the focus,” Onwualu said. “All our research is directed at solving Africa’s infrastructure challenges in health, agriculture, transportation, energy and other sectors. We have recently deepened our innovation ecosystem with the establishment of a university-based hub where we work on commercialising our outputs. In the past year alone, we have registered about 10 patents and we are currently working to move those patents from paper to market.”
Also speaking, a member of the local organising committee and director of information, new media and protocol at the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Segun Ayeoyenikan described the forthcoming conference as a significant milestone. He expressed concern that Nigeria has not yet developed a culture that fully embraces science, technology and innovation.
According to him, nations that have advanced in technology have been able to instill a patriotic culture around science communication and innovation, ensuring that the interests of the country are prioritised. He called on citizens and institutions to drive Nigeria’s innovation agenda by promoting and supporting research-based initiatives.
“This is a milestone in building consciousness to be patriotic,” Ayeoyenikan said. “What we lack is a culture for science and technology. In other countries, science communicators play an active role in ensuring that when researchers want to put something before the public, they have the support to do so in ways the public can understand and adopt. We must not let this initiative die. Stakeholders must push it forward.”
The organisers underscored that STICOMMS will not be a one-off event but will serve as a foundation for annual conferences that build momentum for institutionalising science communication in Nigeria. The October meeting will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, training workshops and exhibitions showcasing innovations from academia, industry and young entrepreneurs.
The conference is expected to attract a broad spectrum of participants, including policymakers, researchers, communicators, students and innovators, all of whom will contribute to shaping a national agenda that leverages science, technology and innovation for development.
As the date approaches, organisers are working with development partners, civil society organisations and professional associations to ensure wide participation and strong outcomes.
Stakeholders agree that for Nigeria to thrive in the 21st century economy, it must embrace science communication not only as a professional discipline but as a national culture that connects laboratories to policymakers, classrooms to communities and ideas to industries.
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