BJAN Conference to Bring Students and Industry Leaders Together on AI in Advertising
More than 100 students from Lagos State University (LASU), Olabisi Onabanjo University and the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) will attend the Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria (BJAN) conference in Lagos, where speakers will examine the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and advertising.
Scheduled for Friday, November 6, 2026, the conference will bring together academics, advertising practitioners, marketing professionals, brand communications experts and technology stakeholders to discuss AI’s growing influence on Nigeria’s advertising industry.
The event’s theme is “Advertising in Nigeria & AI: Who Needs Creative Agency?” Discussions will explore how emerging technologies are changing advertising practice, agency operations, marketing strategies and professional training.
Student participation is expected to broaden the conversation around AI’s implications for communication education, research, curriculum development and preparation for careers in advertising and marketing. As AI tools become more widely used in content creation, consumer research, campaign planning and audience engagement, educational institutions face the task of equipping students with relevant skills.
The conference will also consider how agencies can incorporate AI into their operations while retaining human creativity, strategic thinking, cultural understanding and professional judgment.
Speakers announced for the event include Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) Director-General Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo; Prima Garnet Group Chief Executive Officer Lolu Akinwunmi; and Sahara Group Head of Corporate Communications Bethel Obioma. They are expected to share perspectives on regulation, agency management, brand strategy and corporate communication in the age of AI.
A panel session will be moderated by Tolulope A. Modasbem, Chief Executive Officer of Lead Central and author of *Integrated Marketing*. Panellists include Angela Ukara-Makinde, Chief Engagement Strategist at EXP Marketing Nigeria and BJAN Vice President; Adeola Amosun, Group Media Manager at Tolaram Group; Dr. Seyi Akindeinde, Founder of Hyperspace Technologies; George Isitu-Okukwe, Chief Executive Officer of TBWA\Concept; and Dr. Oludare Ogunyemi, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication at Caleb University, Imota, Lagos State.
BJAN Chairman Daniel Obi said the conference would give industry professionals an opportunity to exchange ideas on AI’s implications for brand building and the future of advertising in Nigeria.
Sessions are expected to address AI’s potential to improve productivity, support targeted campaigns and enhance marketing performance, as well as issues involving intellectual property, data privacy, originality, automation and professional skills.
The event is also expected to strengthen collaboration between industry practitioners and academics as they consider the competencies and ethical standards needed to prepare future communication professionals.
The conference will take place at the Luxury Event Centre, 2 M.K.O. Abiola Drive, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.
Through its annual event, BJAN aims to promote dialogue, professional development and innovation across advertising, marketing, journalism, corporate communications and related fields.
