In a move to foster media modernisation, Caleb University has unveiled the Journalism Outlook Conference 2026 to accelerate the digital transformation of local newspapers.
The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Olalekan Asikhia, disclosed this during a press conference held at the institution’s College of Law in Lagos on Tuesday, July 7, 2026.
Prof. Asikhia noted that the one-day event, themed “Reinventing Local Newspapers in the Digital Age: Innovation, Sustainability, and Global Community Impact,” is scheduled to hold on July 20, 2026, at Caleb University, Imota, Lagos, and is dedicated to shaping the future of Nigerian journalism.
He stated that the conference will convene a distinguished audience, stressing that it comes at a pivotal moment.
“Local newspapers, once the heartbeat of community engagement, now face unprecedented challenges in the digital era,” he said.
However, the Vice-Chancellor acknowledged that these challenges also present opportunities for reinvention, innovation, and global relevance. He explained that the goal is to provide a robust platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and actionable insights that will strengthen the sustainability of Nigerian journalism.
He announced Kirsten Marie Myklebust, a distinguished Norwegian journalist and media leader, as the conference’s main facilitator.
According to him, Ms. Myklebust served as editor of Jærbladet from 2018 to 2023 and is currently a project leader for newspaper digitalisation.
“Her expertise in digital product development and content strategy, gained through her work with leading firms such as Amedia, Schibsted, and Equinor, will enrich our discourse with valuable international perspectives,” Asikhia stated.
He also announced a partnership with the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), emphasising that their collaboration is vital to the success of the initiative and will ensure that the conference benefits from the widest possible range of perspectives across the media and academic communities.
He reiterated that the conference will bring together a diverse audience, including newspaper proprietors and publishers, journalists and editors, communication and media scholars, technology experts, Mass Communication students, public relations practitioners, digital entrepreneurs, government agencies, policymakers, and professional media bodies.
“Together, this breadth of participation will make the conference a vital platform for collaboration, innovation, and the advancement of journalism in the digital age.”
Asikhia declared that, at the conclusion of the programme, the university expects to chart a clear roadmap for Nigerian newspapers — one that strengthens resilience, drives innovation, and positions Nigerian media to thrive confidently in an era defined by rapid digital change and global connectivity.
He maintained that the conference is not just an event but a call to action, adding that it is an opportunity to reinvent Nigerian journalism and ensure that its newspapers remain relevant, sustainable, and impactful within the global community.
