The University of Lagos (UNILAG), on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, hosted a groundbreaking conference aimed at re-imagining the future of Human Resources (HR) management, and equipping students with the skills and mindset to thrive in a fast-evolving work environment.
The conference tagged EDGE Conference 4.0 was organised by the Employment Relations and Human Resource Management Students Association (EHRMSA), UNILAG in collaboration with Green HRM and other partners.
Held at the Nurudeen Alao Auditorium located at the Distance Learning Institute (DLI), the event had the theme: Shaping Employee Behavior and Expanding Investments into Green Economic Activities . It brought together thought leaders in Human Resources Management, industry professionals, and scholars to inspire UNILAG students of Employment Relations and Personnel Management..
EDGE Conference 4.0 featured presentations by the Founder and Curator-in-Chief of Tgl Labs, Elizabeth Okonji, and Human Resources Manager of Green HRM, Magdalene Eloho Orieka, as well as a robust panel session with: Felix Bissong (Lead Consultant, GenZ HR); Chibuzor Ihentuge-Eric (Head, People and Culture Paid HR); Felix Olori (CEO/Founder, Black and Dawn Enterprises) and Abisola Amuda (Head of HR, Cordos Capital Limited).
Delivering her address virtually, the Founder and Curator-in-Chief of Tgl Labs, Elizabeth Okonji noted that change remained the only constant in modern workplaces, adding that “traditional HR models are no longer sufficient in an era defined by artificial intelligence and rapid technological shifts.
Okonji urged future practitioners to adopt data-driven strategies, develop technological fluency, and remain adaptable as roles continue to evolve or disappear altogether. Her words: “Human resources is traveling through an evolution of transformation. Expertise today transcends geography. Skillful people can work remotely, focusing on outcomes rather than physical presence. Data without actionable insight is useless, and that’s why HR professionals must proactively leverage technology to drive organizational success.”
Similarly, the Human Resources Manager of Green HRM, Magdalene Eloho Orieka advocated rewarding sustainable behaviour to drive efficiency and create a culture of environmental responsibility. She highlighted her company’s commitment to promoting eco-friendly workplace practices, and called for the adoption of these practices by other organisations.
The panel session provided a platform for expert opinions on Human Resources in the 21st century. Felix Bissong of GenZ HR underscored that “unconventional human resources is primarily a mindset shift, given that the tools for innovation have always existed” while Abisola Amuda of Cordios Capital Limited who also echoed this sentiment, observed that “routine tasks are steadily giving way to technology-driven workflows”.
For Chibuzor Ihentuge Eric, “the importance of discipline and timeliness in the modern workplace cannot be over-emphasied”, while the CEO and Founder of Bhack and Dawn Enterprises, Gloria Olotu, described unconventional HR as “disruptive by design, and necessary to attract and retain quality talent in a dynamic labour market”.
Closing the event, Dr. Gbajumo Sheriff of the Department of Employment Relations and Personnel Management, UNILAG praised the high level of scholarship on display at the conference, and reminded students that innovation must go hand in hand with character.
“You need character, not only knowledge,” she concluded, challenging the next generation of HR professionals to embrace technology without compromising ethical standards.
The conference wrapped up with the presentation of awards to guest speakers and contributors, capping off a day that inspired UNILAG students to be agile, and forward-thinking.
Report: Akinola Afolabi
Photography: Joshua Michael
Editor: Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem
3 responses
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I felt it would have been more more better if the sections were actually recorded.
it was truly inspiring……