Lagos State University, LASU will bring together researchers, academics, technology experts, policymakers and industry stakeholders to examine how artificial intelligence can be applied to address national development challenges at the 8th LASU Research and Innovation Fair.
The two-day event, scheduled for Tuesday, September 8, and Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at the Aderemi Makanjuola Lecture Theatre, LASU Main Campus, Ojo, Lagos, will focus on the theme, “Accelerating National Development through Artificial Intelligence-Driven Research and Innovation.”
The fair is expected to examine how research and emerging technologies can move from academic settings into practical applications across key sectors of the economy.
Among the issues to be discussed are the opportunities, risks and ethical use of AI in teaching and research; applications of AI in agriculture, healthcare, energy and human resources; and the use of intelligent technologies in security, safety and public policy.
The programme will feature the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, as keynote speaker, while Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, representing Ogun West Senatorial District, will attend as Special Guest of Honour.
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the LASU Governing Council, Babatunde Ogala, SAN, OFR, will chair the occasion.
Other speakers include the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS; immediate past Vice-Chancellor of Covenant University, Professor Humphrey A. Adebayo, FAAS, FAS; and the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Galaxy Backbone Limited, Professor Ibrahim A. Adeyanju.
The Director of LASU’s Directorate of Research Management and Innovation and Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Professor Adejuwon Adeneye, is the host of the event, while the Vice-Chancellor of LASU, Distinguished Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, is expected to serve as Chief Host.
The university said the discussions would address the implications of the growing use of AI in education and research, including concerns around academic integrity, originality, ethics and responsible use of the technology.
Participants will also examine the potential of AI to improve food production, healthcare delivery, energy systems and workforce management, as well as its capacity to support security operations, public safety and evidence-based policymaking.
The fair is part of LASU’s efforts to strengthen research, innovation and collaboration between academia, government, industry and society. It will also provide a platform for researchers and students to showcase their work and for industry and policymakers to engage with research that could address real-world challenges.
The event will be held in hybrid format, with proceedings beginning at 9am daily, allowing both physical and virtual participation.
LASU said the fair would provide an opportunity for stakeholders to explore how research and technological innovation can be translated into solutions with measurable social and economic impact.