The University of Lagos (UNILAG) on Friday, February 27, 2026, hosted the Second Student Induction Ceremony of the Nigerian Psychological Association (NPA), Lagos State Chapter.
The induction formally admitted a new cohort of students into the Students Membership category of the Association, marking a significant milestone in their academic and professional journeys in Psychology.
The ceremony, which was held at the Faculty of Social Sciences (FSS) Lecture Hall, UNILAG, Akoka, took place on the sidelines of the Association’s 3rd Biennial Scientific Conference themed: Psychology and Artificial Intelligence in Digital Minds. The event attracted scholars, practitioners, and students who gathered to examine the evolving intersection between psychology as a profession and emerging technologies.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS , the Acting Director of NITDA Information Technology Hub (NITHub), UNILAG, Dr. Victor Odumuyiwa noted that the conference theme reflects the growing relevance of Artificial Intelligence in shaping human behaviour, cognition, and mental health.
While emphasizing the transformative potential of interdisciplinary collaboration between psychology and technology, Dr. Odumuyiwa reiterated the University’s commitment to fostering innovation, critical thinking, and research that addresses contemporary societal challenges.
He encouraged students and professionals to position themselves at the forefront of these developments and urged the inductees to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and lifelong learning in a rapidly evolving digital society.
The induction ceremony also featured remarks and presentations by the Special Guest of Honour, Barrister David ’Diya Ashaolu (Founder and Project Director of Velma Action to Reduce Cybercrime); the Guest Speaker, Dr. Leonard Okonkwo, (Chartered Psychologist, Psychotherapist and Addiction Specialist); and the Keynote Speaker, Professor Samuel Oladipo of Tai Solarin University of Education.
Officials of the Association, including Dr. Sylvester Atiri, Chairperson of NPA, Lagos State Chapter and the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Dr. Oluwakemi Akintoyese, highlighted the need for emerging psychologists to embrace research, ethical conduct, and technological literacy as key pillars of future practice. They re-affirmed the Association’s commitment to mentoring students and promoting excellence within the discipline.
The 2026 Biennial Scientific Conference and 2nd Student Induction Ceremony provided a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange and professional networking. It also reinforced the strategic importance of integrating psychological science with advancements in artificial intelligence to address complex human and societal challenges.
Author: Afolabi Akinola
Photographer: Samuel Dosumu
