The Faculty of Arts, Niger Delta University (NDU), Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, has announced its 2026 Annual Conference, with scholars, researchers, students, and professionals from across Nigeria and beyond expected to converge to examine the growing relationship between artificial intelligence and the humanities.
The conference, scheduled to hold from 8th to 10th September, 2026, will take place at the Main Campus Auditorium of Niger Delta University. The event is themed "AI and the Humanities: Prospects and Challenges," reflecting the increasing relevance of artificial intelligence in contemporary research, education, culture, philosophy, language studies, religion, history, literature, communication, and the performing arts.
According to the conference announcement, participants will explore how advances in artificial intelligence are reshaping the humanities, while also addressing the ethical, philosophical, and social questions arising from the adoption of AI technologies in human-centred disciplines.
The organisers have outlined an extensive list of sub-themes covering diverse areas of scholarship. These include AI and Digital Humanities Research, AI in linguistic and literary studies, AI in English and African languages, AI in Mass Communication, Dramatic Literature, Digital Storytelling, Theatre, Dance, Choreography, Scenography, Historical Research Methods, Political Philosophy, Religion, Metaphysics, Moral Philosophy, Governance, and Human Performance versus Machine Intelligence. Other areas of interest include AI's implications for military history, conflict analysis, and the interpretation of religious and historical texts.
Researchers interested in presenting papers have been invited to submit abstracts of not more than 250 words. The organisers stated that submissions should be prepared in Times New Roman, font size 12, single-line spacing, and sent electronically to nduartsconference26@protonmail.com. The deadline for abstract submission is 15th August, 2026. Successful presenters will be required to submit seven hard copies of their papers upon arrival at the conference venue.
The conference will span three days. The first day has been designated for participants' arrival, followed by the opening ceremony on the second day. The final day will feature plenary sessions before participants depart.
Leading academics are expected to headline the conference. The Vice-Chancellor of Niger Delta University, Professor Allen A. Agih, will serve as the Chief Host, while the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Professor Bina Odogu, is the Host.
The keynote address will be delivered by Professor Kontein Trinya Ignatius of the University of Education, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The Lead Paper Presentation will be delivered by Professor Abdulrazaaq Ulusubuyi Kilani, former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) of the University of Port Harcourt.
Registration fees have been structured to accommodate different categories of participants. The organisers fixed the fee at ₦30,000 for regular participants, ₦15,000 for postgraduate students with valid identification, ₦5,000 for undergraduate students with valid identification, ₦50,000 for international participants, and ₦40,000 for virtual presenters.
Accommodation will be available at the ASUU/NDU Guest House located on campus, with room rates ranging between ₦10,000 and ₦20,000.
Professor Odinigwei MacDonald Kwokwo chairs the conference, while Dr. (Mrs.) Ugiazibe Egege serves as the conference secretary. Interested participants and intending presenters may obtain further information by contacting the organisers through the conference email or the contact numbers provided on the conference flyer.
The 2026 Annual Conference is expected to provide an interdisciplinary platform for meaningful discussions on the opportunities and challenges that artificial intelligence presents to the humanities. By bringing together experts from various fields, the Faculty of Arts seeks to encourage innovative research, foster collaboration, and contribute to ongoing global conversations on the future of AI and its impact on human knowledge, culture, and society.
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