The Dominican University, Samonda, Ibadan has solicited the
support of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, for its forthcoming international conference on artificial intelligence and the future of humanity.
Speaking during a courtesy visit at the Olubadan Palace in Ibadan.the delegation, led by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jacinta Opara, represented by the Dean of Science, Professor Tim Odiaka, said the visit was aimed at strengthening ties between the university and the traditional institution.
Prof Opara noted that the visit was also to secure royal endorsement for the International Interdisciplinary Conference on Artificial Intelligence and the Human Future, scheduled to hold from May 6 to 7, 2026.
He pointed out that Dominican University was established in 2016 to mark the 800th anniversary of the Dominican Order, making it the first Dominican university in Africa.
Commending the Olubadan’s leadership, the Vice Chancellor described it as instrumental in sustaining peace and stability in Ibadanland.
Prof. Odiaka reaffirmed the university’s commitment to community development, pledging that its academic and research expertise would remain available to support the palace in policy advisory and developmental initiatives.
During the visit, the delegation formally requested the monarch to serve as Royal Host for the conference, themed: “Artificial Intelligence and the Human Future: Ethics, Communication, and the Voices of Women and Youth at the Margins.”
Receiving the delegation, Oba Ladoja accepted the request, describing the conference theme as both timely and significant.
Praising the university’s growing reputation, saying its contributions to academic excellence in Nigeria and beyond, Oba Ladoja urged the institution to ensure broad public awareness of the conference, stressing the need to educate society on the implications of artificial intelligence.
The Olubadan while encouraging greater collaboration between the university and other research institutions in Ibadan to drive development within the city, expressed optimism about the university’s future, envisioning its emergence as a global hub that blends technological advancement with cultural heritage.
Oba Ladoja who commended the high standards of Catholic education, drawing parallels with institutions he had encountered in Belgium offered his blessings as the university prepares for its combined 4th and 5th convocation ceremonies scheduled for December 2026, reminding students of the responsibilities that come with academic privilege.
The planned conference follows the university’s successful hosting of its 2026 Aquinas Day Colloquium, widely regarded as a landmark intellectual gathering that explored new perspectives on scripture and African cultural identity.
The delegation included senior university officials such as Mrs. Titilayo Abijo, Deputy Registrar; Fr. Francis Chiadi, OP; Sr. Mary Christine Ugobi-Onyemere, IHM; Engr. Dr. Omokehinde Deji-Akinpelu; Mr. Stephen Eki; and Mr. Precious Anthony.
