Strategic Update: Eko-Konnect 2026
The Eko-Konnect User Conference 2026 is evolving into a nationally aligned infrastructure forum. Eko-Konnect wishes to share an important strategic update regarding the 2026 Conference.
Nigeria’s Open Science and digital research infrastructure landscape is entering a significant new phase. The operational activation of the National Coordination Council for Open Access Publishing and Digital Scholarship, renewed sector-wide engagement on eduID.ng governance, and the emergence of REN.ng as an inclusive public information and service discovery portal collectively represent a structural shift toward coordinated national alignment.
In this context, Eko-Konnect 2026 will be repositioned to ensure full coherence with these developments.
The previously announced February 2026 timeline will be superseded by this integrated national alignment process. Rather than convening as a standalone event, the Conference will evolve into a nationally aligned infrastructure forum — reflecting emerging governance frameworks, shared identity systems, repository coordination, Academic Publishing Centre initiatives, and service interoperability priorities.
This approach ensures that architecture precedes assembly and that any national convening strengthens, rather than fragments, institutional effort.
The coming period will focus on structured engagement through Council-linked working groups, institutional consultations, and collaborative design processes. As these milestones become visible, a refreshed convening format will be announced.
We invite infrastructure providers, Academic Publishing Centres, repository hosts, identity operators, NRENs, and technology partners to participate through REN.ng and related coordination channels as this next phase unfolds. Eko-Konnect remains committed to advancing a coherent, sustainable, and inclusive Open Science ecosystem for Nigeria.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following questions provide clarity on the repositioning of Eko-Konnect 2026 and how institutions, partners, and service providers can stay engaged.
No. Eko-Konnect 2026 is being repositioned to align with Nigeria's emerging national coordination architecture for Open Science and digital research infrastructure.
The objective is to ensure that when it convenes, it reflects governance maturity, interoperability priorities, and broad institutional participation.
Nigeria’s ecosystem is entering a structural phase, marked by the operational activation of the National Coordination Council for Open Access Publishing and Digital Scholarship, renewed governance engagement around eduID.ng , and the emergence of REN.ng as an inclusive service-discovery portal.
Proceeding under the original standalone format would not fully reflect these developments. Alignment ensures coherence rather than parallel activity.
A refreshed format will be announced once key coordination milestones are visible — including active Council workstreams, clarified governance structures, and broader service participation.
The timing will follow alignment, not calendar pressure.
Infrastructure providers, Academic Publishing Centres, repository hosts, identity operators, NRENs, and technology partners are encouraged to engage through REN.ng and related coordination channels.
The aim is inclusive participation and the development of interoperable services for mutual national benefit.
No. Eko-Konnect remains committed to strengthening Nigeria’s Open Science ecosystem. The repositioning reflects a shift toward deeper integration within national governance and infrastructure frameworks.