Welcome to the APN 57th Annual General Meeting & Scientific Conference (EKO '26)

The Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria (APN) cordially invites Consultants, Resident Doctors, Psychologists, Nurses, Social Workers, Researchers, Academics, Students and other Allied Mental Health Professionals to submit high-quality scientific abstracts for presentation during the APN 57th Annual General Meeting & Scientific Conference.

This year's conference provides an excellent opportunity to present original scientific findings, innovative clinical practice, multidisciplinary collaboration, policy research, digital psychiatry, community mental health initiatives and emerging technologies.

All submitted abstracts shall undergo a rigorous double-blind peer review conducted by experienced reviewers appointed by the Scientific Committee.

Successful submissions shall be selected for Oral or Poster Presentation during the Scientific Conference.

Conference Theme

Insecurity and Economic Downturn in Nigeria: Strengthening Community Mental Health System for Resilience and Recovery

Conference Sub-Themes

01

Digital Psychiatry and Multidisciplinary Pathways to Care

Collaboration among Psychiatrists, Allied Professionals, Community Leaders, and Digital Experts.

02

Beyond Rescue

Schools as Safe Spaces and Psychosocial Recovery for Children and Other Survivors of Kidnapping and Violent Trauma.

03

From Trauma to Recovery

Addressing Substance Use in an Era of Insecurity and Economic Downturn through Prevention, Treatment, Recovery, and Post-Traumatic Growth.

Welcome!

Dear Colleagues,

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Scientific Programme of the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria (APN) 57th Annual General Meeting & Scientific Conference, EKO '26.

This year's conference presents another opportunity for researchers, clinicians, academics, resident doctors, psychologists, nurses, social workers, students and allied mental health professionals to share scientific discoveries, innovative ideas and evidence-based practices capable of strengthening mental healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

The Scientific Committee warmly invites submission of high-quality original scientific abstracts addressing the conference theme and other relevant areas of psychiatry and behavioural sciences.

Every accepted abstract contributes to improving mental healthcare, influencing policy, promoting collaboration and advancing psychiatric practice throughout Africa.

On behalf of the Scientific Committee, I encourage every researcher to participate actively and make EKO '26 one of our most impactful scientific meetings.

We look forward to welcoming you to Lagos.

Prof. Mashudat Abiola Bello-Mojeed
Chairperson, Scientific Committee
Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria

☎ +234 903 206 0863

Abstract Submission Guidelines

Authors are invited to submit original scientific abstracts related to the conference theme and sub-themes. All abstracts will undergo peer review by the Scientific Committee, and accepted abstracts may be selected for Oral or Poster Presentation. Authors selected for Poster Presentation will be required to prepare a visual poster of their accepted research in accordance with the poster presentation instructions issued by the Scientific Committee.

Abstracts must be written in English.
The work must be original, unpublished, and not previously presented at another scientific meeting.
The abstract must be relevant to the Conference Theme or one of the approved Sub-Themes.
Maximum of 250 words, excluding the title, author details, affiliations, and keywords.
Font: Times New Roman, 12 pt.
Single line spacing with standard margins.
Do not include tables, graphs, figures, photographs, references, or appendices.
Use 3–5 keywords immediately after the abstract.
Abstracts must be carefully proofread before submission. Accepted abstracts will be published exactly as submitted.
Non-standard abbreviations must be defined at first mention.
Scientific names, drug names, and statistical terms should conform to accepted international standards.
Abstracts containing only objectives or methods without results will not be accepted.
Statements such as "results will be discussed" or "data are still being analyzed" are not acceptable.

Poster Presentation

Poster Presentation is a visual presentation of an accepted research study at the conference. Authors whose abstracts are accepted and assigned to Poster Presentation will be required to prepare and present their research as a conference poster.

Important:

Authors should not submit the complete poster with the initial abstract submission. The initial submission is limited to the required scientific abstract. Authors whose abstracts are accepted for Poster Presentation will subsequently receive instructions regarding poster preparation, format, dimensions, submission and presentation requirements.

Poster presentation applies only to abstracts accepted and assigned for Poster Presentation by the Scientific Committee.
The poster should provide a clear visual presentation of the accepted research, including the study title, authors, affiliations, objectives, methods, results, conclusion and other relevant scientific information.
The poster should be concise, visually clear and easy to read from a reasonable viewing distance.
Authors must follow the official poster size, layout, design, submission and presentation instructions issued by the Scientific Committee.
Further instructions on poster preparation and presentation will be communicated to authors after acceptance.

Structured Abstract Format

Authors should prepare their abstracts using the appropriate format below. Abstracts that do not follow the required structure may be returned for revision before peer review.

Original Research

Background – Brief introduction, rationale and study objective(s).
Methods – Study design, setting, participants, interventions (where applicable), and methods of analysis.
Results – Present the principal findings with relevant data.
Conclusion – Main conclusions and implications for clinical practice, research or policy.
Keywords – 3–5 keywords.

Case Report

Background
Case Presentation
Discussion
Conclusion
Keywords (3–5)

Systematic Review / Narrative Review

Background
Objective
Methods
Results / Findings
Conclusion
Keywords (3–5)

Note: These structures are based on accepted medical conference standards and are intended to facilitate fair and consistent peer review.

Author Information

Please ensure that the following information accompanies every abstract submission:

Abstract title (maximum 25 words)
Full names of all authors
Institutional affiliations
Email address of the corresponding author
Clearly identify the presenting author
Provide 3–5 keywords
Indicate your preferred presentation format:
- Oral Presentation
- Poster Presentation

Review Criteria

All submitted abstracts will undergo peer review by the Scientific Committee and will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

Scientific originality and significance
Relevance to the conference theme or sub-themes
Clarity of objectives
Scientific rigor and methodology
Quality and validity of results
Conclusions supported by the findings
Overall quality of scientific writing and presentation

Important Notes

Submission of an abstract does not constitute conference registration.
Presenting authors must complete conference registration before presentation.
The Scientific Committee reserves the right to assign accepted abstracts to either Oral or Poster presentations.
Abstracts that fail to comply with the submission guidelines may be rejected without review.
Acceptance notifications will be sent to the corresponding author's email address.
Submission confirms that all listed authors have approved the abstract and accept responsibility for its scientific content.

Ethical Requirements

Evidence of ethical approval where applicable.
Protection of participant confidentiality.
Appropriate informed consent.
Declaration of conflicts of interest.
Funding source disclosure where applicable.

Plagiarism Policy

All submitted abstracts may be screened using plagiarism detection software. Abstracts containing plagiarism, duplicate publication, fabricated or falsified data will be rejected.

Best Abstract Awards

Best Oral Presentation
Best Poster Presentation
Best Resident Research
Best Early Career Research
Best Student Research

Important Dates

Activity	Date
Submission Opens	15 Auguest 2026
Submission Deadline	29 September 2026
Acceptance Notification	17 October 2026
Conference Dates	30 November – 4 December 2026