The unexpected postponement may be opening the door to an even stronger gathering
What looked like a date change has become an unexpected pause in the journey toward what could be a more impactful international conference at Nasarawa State University, Keffi.
The Institute for Strategic and Development Communication (ISDEVCOM), Nasarawa State University, Keffi, has announced the indefinite postponement of its planned International Conference, originally scheduled for 10–11 September 2026.
The announcement, issued by the Local Organising Committee (LOC) on behalf of the Ag. Director of ISDEVCOM, comes against the backdrop of ongoing industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Nasarawa State University, Keffi Chapter
The industrial action has affected academic activities across the university, making it difficult for the conference to proceed as originally planned.
But while the postponement may initially come as a disappointment to scholars, speakers, invited guests, partners and other participants who had prepared for the event, the decision also carries an important message: the conference is not cancelled. It is waiting.
A new date will be announced once the industrial action is called off and normal academic activities resume.
That means the work, ideas and conversations expected from the conference still have a future.
For scholars and development communication professionals who were preparing to converge at Keffi, the delay creates another opportunity to prepare, refine presentations, strengthen partnerships and return when the university environment is fully ready to host the event.
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The LOC has also acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the postponement and expressed appreciation to participants and stakeholders for their understanding and continued support.
Perhaps one of the most reassuring parts of the announcement concerns the planned NIPR induction for ISDEVCOM scholars.
Scholars who have already paid for the induction scheduled for 11 September 2026 have been advised not to participate in the scheduled exercise at this time.
Instead, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has indicated that its representatives will visit ISDEVCOM to conduct the induction for all ISDEVCOM scholars once the conference has been rescheduled.
In other words, the induction has not disappeared either.
For scholars who have not yet paid, the Institute is encouraging them to use the postponement window to complete their payment ahead of the eventual exercise.
The surprise in this development is therefore not simply that a major academic event has been postponed.
It is that an unexpected pause is creating room for the entire programme including the conference and scholars’ induction to return under better circumstances.
The date may have changed.
The destination has not.
And when ISDEVCOM eventually welcomes its scholars, speakers, guests and partners to Keffi, the wait may make the gathering even more anticipated.
The conference is delayed but the opportunity remains very much alive.
