The Nigerian chapter of the International Communication Association (ICA) has ushered in a new leadership era, with Professor Desmond Onyemechi Okocha emerging as Chairperson during the association’s maiden national conference held in Abuja.
His emergence follows the handover from the pioneer chair, Dr. Ekaete George, to Okocha, who previously served as vice-chair, marking a transition that reflects continuity for the rapidly expanding body since its establishment in 2023.
The two-day conference, which took place from March 24 to 25, 2026 at Nile University, Abuja, brought together academics and industry professionals under the theme “Global Communication Shifts and Implications for Africa.” Discussions at the event focused on key issues such as artificial intelligence, climate change, and crisis communication.
The conference was attended by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, who was represented by the Director General of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Malam Ali Muhammed Ali. Also present was the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Press Council, Dr. Dili Ezughah, alongside other notable participants.
In his acceptance speech, Prof Okocha, a distinguished Full Professor of Journalism and Emerging Media, and currently the Dean, Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa State, —unveiled a team (Dr. Comfort Bulus, Dr. E.Y.E Bassey, Dr. Godswill John, Mr. Odoh Diego Okenyodo, Mr. Adebusuyi Adedotun) and pledged a membership drive: invitations to universities and industry practitioners, aiming to widen ICA’s footprint across Nigeria’s media and communication programs. He begins a one-year renewable term.
At the global level, the International Communication Association has maintained a strong reputation as a leading body in communication scholarship. Founded in 1950 as the National Society for the Study of Communication and renamed in 1969, the association has grown into an international network of scholars across more than 80 countries. Through its annual conferences, academic publications, and thematic divisions, it has continued to influence the development of communication research and practice.
In recent years, ICA has expanded its focus beyond North America and Europe, increasing its engagement with regions such as Africa as part of its internationalization drive. This shift has opened up greater opportunities for African scholars to participate in global conversations, while also promoting communication frameworks that reflect diverse socio-cultural contexts.
The formation of national and regional chapters, including ICA Nigeria, stems from this broader strategy. Within this framework, the Nigerian chapter plays a key role in adapting global academic standards to local realities, while addressing pressing communication challenges. Core areas of focus include development communication, media credibility, digital transformation, and strategic communication in governance and advocacy.
Dr. George used her parting remarks to highlight milestones: expanded membership, 13 Quarterly Seminar Series, and stronger national/global collaborations, urging members to sustain the momentum. Observers see the transition as strategic—consolidating George’s institution-building while opening new paths for research collaboration and policy engagement as ICA deepens its Africa outreach.
For a chapter only three years old, the Abuja gathering doubled as intellectual forum and institutional milestone—setting ICA Nigeria up as an increasingly visible platform for African perspectives in global communication scholarship.
