The Member representing Epe Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Tasir Wale Raji, has been selected to chair the Lagos State University (LASU) 29th and 30th Convocation Lecture.
Epe Insights reports that the high-profile academic event is scheduled to hold on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, as part of activities marking the university’s combined 29th and 30th convocation ceremonies.
The convocation lecture will feature Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, D.Arts (h.c.), Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), as the guest lecturer.
Dabiri-Erewa will deliver the lecture on the theme, “From LASU to the World: Harnessing the Nigerian Diaspora as the 7th Region for National Development.”
The topic is expected to examine the growing role of Nigerians living abroad in contributing to the development of the country.
The lecture will provide a platform for discussions on how Nigeria can strengthen its relationship with its diaspora community.
Issues around diaspora engagement, knowledge transfer, investment and innovation are expected to feature prominently during the event.
Human capital development will also form part of the broader conversation on harnessing the potential of Nigerians in the diaspora.
The selection of Hon. Tasir Wale Raji as chairman adds a legislative and public-sector perspective to the academic engagement.
As a member of the House of Representatives, Raji’s participation is expected to contribute to discussions around national development and the role of institutions in engaging Nigerians at home and abroad.
The event will also bring together academics, policymakers, students, researchers and other stakeholders interested in Nigeria’s development.
The lecture’s focus on the Nigerian diaspora reflects the growing importance of international networks, skills and resources to national development.
Nigerians living abroad have continued to contribute to the country through investments, professional expertise, knowledge exchange and various development initiatives.
The lecture is therefore expected to explore ways of strengthening these contributions for greater national benefit.
The theme’s reference to the diaspora as the “7th Region” highlights the significance of Nigerians outside the country as an important constituency in national affairs.
The engagement will provide an opportunity to examine how institutions such as universities can strengthen connections with Nigerian professionals and scholars around the world.
LASU’s convocation lecture is also expected to provide an avenue for participants to consider how education can support stronger global networks.
Dabiri-Erewa’s experience as head of NiDCOM is expected to bring practical perspectives to the discussion.
Her role at the commission places her at the centre of efforts to deepen engagement between Nigeria and its citizens in the diaspora.
The lecture is expected to highlight opportunities for collaboration between government, universities, businesses and the Nigerian diaspora.
Knowledge transfer is another area expected to receive attention during the engagement.
Nigerian professionals abroad possess expertise across various fields, including technology, medicine, finance, education and engineering.
Creating effective channels for these skills to support development at home remains an important national conversation.
Investment opportunities within Nigeria are also expected to form part of the discussion.
The diaspora represents a significant pool of financial resources and entrepreneurial experience that can contribute to economic development.
The lecture could therefore provide insights into creating an enabling environment for increased diaspora investment.
Innovation is another key area connected to the theme.
With Nigerians contributing to global technological and professional developments, stronger collaboration could help facilitate the transfer of ideas and expertise to institutions within Nigeria.
Human capital development will similarly remain central to the conversation.
Universities such as LASU have an important role in preparing young Nigerians to compete effectively in an increasingly interconnected global economy.
The convocation lecture will therefore combine academic reflection with practical discussions about national development.
The participation of a federal lawmaker as chairman also reflects the importance of collaboration between educational institutions and government.
Raji’s role will provide an opportunity to moderate and guide the engagement around issues that extend beyond the university community.
The event is expected to attract members of the academic community, government officials and other stakeholders.
It will also form part of the activities surrounding LASU’s 29th and 30th convocation ceremonies.
For Epe Federal Constituency, Raji’s selection represents another opportunity for the constituency’s representative to participate in a major national academic engagement.
The lecture will take place on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.
With diaspora engagement at the centre of the discussion, the event is expected to generate ideas on how Nigeria can better utilise its global human capital.
It will also provide an opportunity to examine practical ways of converting diaspora connections into sustainable development opportunities.
As preparations continue, attention will be focused on the contributions of Dabiri-Erewa, Raji and other participants to the conversation.
The LASU Convocation Lecture is expected to provide a platform for meaningful discussion on education, diaspora engagement and Nigeria’s development prospects.
