The University of Lagos (UNILAG), in collaboration with Green HRM and other partners, has hosted a groundbreaking human resources conference aimed at preparing students for the future of work in an era defined by technology and sustainability.
Held at the Nurudeen Alao Auditorium, the fourth edition of the EDGE Conference—titled “Shaping Employee Behaviour and Expanding Investments into Green Economic Activities”—brought together HR thought leaders, industry experts, and academics to engage students of Employment Relations and Personnel Management.
Delivering the keynote virtually, Elizabeth Okonji, Founder of Tgl Labs, emphasised the need for HR professionals to evolve alongside rapid technological and societal changes.
“Human resources is undergoing a transformational shift,” she said. “Traditional HR models no longer suffice in an era of artificial intelligence and data-driven decision-making.”
She urged students to embrace digital tools, develop adaptability, and focus on results rather than physical presence.
“Today’s workplace transcends geography,” Okonji noted. “Skill and output are now more important than location. But without actionable insights, data is meaningless.”
A panel session featured Felix Bissong of GenZ HR, who described unconventional HR as “a mindset shift”, and Abisola Amuda of Cordios Capital, who highlighted how automation is replacing routine tasks. Felix Olori, CEO of Black and Dawn Enterprises, said disruptive HR was essential for talent retention, while Chibuzor Ihentuge Eric of People and Culture HR stressed the importance of discipline and punctuality.
Green HRM’s Magdalene Eloho Orieka advocated for rewarding sustainable workplace behaviour to drive environmental responsibility.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Gbajumo Sheriff of UNILAG’s Employment Relations Department praised the intellectual rigour of the event.
“Hire character, not just knowledge,” he advised, urging students to balance innovation with ethics.
The conference concluded with awards to guest speakers and contributors, marking a successful event dedicated to grooming the next generation of agile and principled HR leaders.
