The Lagos State University (LASU), has formally inaugurated the National Working Committee (NWC), in preparation for the African Borderlands Research Network (ABORNE) Conference 2026, scheduled to take place in August 2026 at the University’s Main Campus, Ojo, Lagos.
Co-hosting the event in partnership with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the conference is targeted at advancing African scholarship, regional cooperation and sustainable border management on the continent. This is projected by convening leading scholars, policymakers, and practitioners from across Africa and beyond to engage with critical issues of border governance, migration, cross-border cooperation, and transnational development dynamics.
The NWC, which was earlier set up by the Vice-Chancellor of LASU, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, comprises of distinguished academics, border management experts, and institutional representatives, tasked with coordinating Nigeria’s preparations for the 2026 ABORNE Conference.
While delivering her address, the Vice-Chancellor warmly welcomed the committee members and expressed LASU’s enthusiasm and readiness to co-host the high-profile conference in collaboration with the Nigeria Immigration Service. She described the hosting opportunity as a significant milestone in LASU’s growing global recognition as a hub for innovation, research, and policy engagement.
Following the inauguration, the National Working Committee held its first strategic meeting at LASU, during which members deliberated on conference planning milestones, thematic focus areas, and implementation frameworks. The meeting also reviewed Nigeria’s specific contributions to the broader ABORNE agenda and outlined a collaborative framework between participating institutions.
Notable members present at the inauguration were Dr Willie Eselebor, representing the African Borderlands Research Network; the Alternate Chair, Professor Tunji Azeez; the Assistant Alternate Chair, Professor Adewunmi Falode from Lagos State University; Mrs Saratu Ibrahim Abdulganiyu, Comptroller of the Nigeria Immigration Service; Mr E. L. Anugwa, Assistant Comptroller General and Zonal Coordinator, Zone A, Nigeria Immigration Service; Dr Tarfa Usman Farouk, Head of Cross-Border Cooperation, National Boundary Commission; and Mallam Isa Sadiq Abdullahi, Director of Planning, Intergovernmental and Community Relations, Border Communities Development Agency, Abuja.
The inauguration of the NWC was witnessed by members of the University Management, alongside senior staff of the institution. The next NWC meeting is expected to be hosted by the NIS, to underscored the shared commitment between both co-hosts in the delivery of a world-class conference that reflects Nigeria’s leadership in borderlands research and policy engagement.
