On September 3, 2026, the University of Lagos will become a central hub for a critical global conversation as the BBC World Service brings its “Trust is Earned” forum to the campus. In an era where information spreads at lightning speed—often outpacing the truth—this day-long event aims to pull back the curtain on how disinformation is crafted and spread. By gathering a diverse crowd of journalists, educators, tech experts, and content creators, the BBC hopes to facilitate a practical exploration of the modern information landscape. It is not merely an academic exercise; it is a direct response to the growing influence of artificial intelligence in shaping—and distorting—our collective reality.
The cornerstone of the day is a high-stakes recording of BBC World Questions, chaired by the insightful Jonny Dymond. This isn’t a typical lecture; it’s an open arena where a panel of Nigeria’s most prominent voices—ranging from business leaders and activists to influencers and seasoned reporters—will engage directly with the audience. The discussion promises to be robust and timely, tackling the urgent realities of fake news, the erosion of public trust in political systems, and the anxieties surrounding the upcoming Nigerian elections. It is a space designed for real, unfiltered debate about the obstacles we face in maintaining a healthy democracy.
Beyond the main stage, the forum offers a deep dive into the “nuts and bolts” of investigative journalism. Attendees will get an exclusive first look at the latest documentary from the renowned BBC Eye team, providing a window into how top-tier investigators uncover hidden truths. Furthermore, the event features a series of hands-on workshops that demystify open-source intelligence (OSINT). These sessions are designed to move beyond theory, giving participants the practical, real-world tools needed to verify sources, check facts, and navigate the complex, often misleading digital ecosystems we interact with every single day.
A major focus of the day is the rising, and often unsettling, role of artificial intelligence in democracy. As AI becomes more sophisticated, it is increasingly being weaponized as a tool for propaganda, making it harder than ever for the average person to discern fact from fiction. By hosting panel discussions that explicitly address these technological threats, the forum seeks to bridge the gap between complex digital developments and everyday media literacy. The goal is to move from a state of passive consumption to active skepticism, ensuring that when we see content online, we have the skills to question its origin and intent.
This initiative is a testament to the BBC World Service’s broader mission to protect the integrity of the news. Fiona Crack, the Interim Global Director of BBC News, captures the gravity of the situation perfectly by labeling disinformation as “the biggest challenge facing journalism in our time.” She emphasizes that the harm caused by such falsehoods isn’t just about confusion; at its worst, it can spark genuine conflict and tear at the fabric of society. Consequently, the BBC feels a profound responsibility not just to report the truth, but to arm its audience with the discernment necessary to navigate a world saturated with manufactured narratives.
Ultimately, “Trust is Earned” is about empowerment. Whether you are a student, a professional, or simply a curious citizen, the forum serves as a reminder that trust in the media isn’t a given—it is something that must be constantly fostered through transparency and critical thinking. Following a similar forum held in São Paulo earlier that year, the Lagos event highlights the global nature of this struggle. By investing in media literacy at the University of Lagos, the BBC is choosing to stand on the front lines, helping people transform from overwhelmed consumers of digital noise into sharp, informed, and critical participants in the global conversation.