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The 23rd Annual International Conference of the Igbo Studies Association (ISA) (2026)

Conference hosted by the Igbo Studies Association

The 23rd Annual International Conference of the Igbo Studies Association (ISA)

Location: Dominican University, River Forest, Chicago, Illinois, USA

Date: May 14, 2026 – May 16, 2026

Conference Chair: Uchenna Onuzulike, PhD

The 23rd Annual International Conference of the Igbo Studies Association (ISA)

#ISAChicago2026

Theme: Ọsọ Ndụ Agwụ Ike: Building a Sustainable and Resilient Future
Format: Hybrid (in-person & Zoom)
Venue: Dominican University, River Forest, Chicago, Illinois, USA
Dates: May 14–16, 2026
Abstract Deadline: February 15, 2026

The Igbo Studies Association (ISA) invites research papers and critical reflections from scholars, professionals, and practitioners across disciplines working on all aspects of Igbo studies in Nigeria, in the diaspora, and related African issues for its 23rd Annual International Conference, to be held May 14–16, 2026, at Dominican University, River Forest, Chicago, Illinois, USA.

Building a sustainable and resilient future is imperative in a rapidly evolving global landscape. The concept of Ọsọ Ndụ Agwụ Ike (the persistent nature of life’s struggles) emphasizes perseverance, focus, and managerial acumen for daily progress, rather than yielding to pressures from local and international demands. In the face of pervasive challenges, the fate of the Igbo arguably lies in the continuous (re)construction of a robust and viable future.

Igbo studies have evolved to encompass a wide range of disciplines, reflecting the dynamic and multifaceted nature of Igbo culture and knowledge production beyond its borders.

Contemporary directions include digital media and identity, transnational collaborations, value systems and modernity, crime and abominations, and more. Framed by Ọsọ Ndụ Agwụ Ike: Building a Sustainable and Resilient Future, we particularly encourage explorations of sustainability and resilience as they intersect with leadership dynamics within Igboland and across the Igbo diaspora, including (but not limited to) leadership and identity in flux, global influences on resilience, national developments and Igbo agency, diaspora dynamics, and cultural sustainability.

Suggested subthemes

  • Mindset, Critical Thinking, Knowledge, and Wisdom
  • Morality, Ethics, Philosophy, and Religion
  • Literature, Film, and the Visual Arts
  • Music, Media, Social Media, and Entertainment
  • Ọsọ Ndụ: Resilience and Survival
  • Igbo Cosmology, Heritage Language(s), and Cuisine
  • Children, Family, Education, and Sports
  • Infrastructure and Environmental Sustainability
  • Entrepreneurship, Technology, and Social Change
  • Economic Development and Sustainability
  • Healthcare, Mental Health, and Well-being
  • Ethnicity, Diaspora, and Cosmopolitanism
  • Crime, Kidnapping, and Jungle Justice
  • Politics, Leadership, Security, and Government
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data, and Internet of Things (IoT)
  • Globalization, Diasporas and (Im)Migrations – Rethinking Africa

Submission guidelines

  • Submit a 250-word abstract and a short bio, including email and phone contacts.
  • Papers may be written in Igbo or English.
  • One abstract/presentation per person (whether solo or joint).
  • Up to two presenters may be listed on a single abstract.

Email abstracts to: [email protected]
Submission deadline: December 31, 2025
Notification of acceptance: January 31, 2026

Registration fees

  • Nigeria-based academics and practitioners: ₦25,000
  • Nigeria-based graduate students: ₦15,000
  • All other regions (academics and practitioners): $100 USD
  • All other regions (graduate students): $50 USD

Accepted presenters will receive instructions on paying the conference registration and the annual, non-refundable ISA membership fee.

For conference updates, visit the ISA website: www.igbostudies.org 

Contact

Conference Chair: Uchenna Onuzulike, PhD
Email: [email protected]


 

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