Harnessing Interdisciplinary Conceptions for Individual Wellbeing, Sporting Excellence, Social Cohesion and Economic Sustainability

The proceedings of the First Joint Academic Conference present selected scholarly papers, keynote and leadpaper presentations, and other academic contributions delivered during the conference held from 1–4 July 2026 at the ASUU Secretariat, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria. The conference was jointly organised by the Department of Human Kinetics and Sports Science and the Department of Health Education and Promotion, University of Calabar; the Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, University of Cross River State; Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education University of Education and Entrepreneurship, and the Federal College of Education, Obudu. The conference was held under the theme: Harnessing Interdisciplinary Conceptions for Individual Wellbeing, Sporting Excellence, Social Cohesion and Economic Sustainability. It provided a broad interdisciplinary platform for academics, researchers, students, educators, media practitioners, coaches, sports administrators, health professionals, policymakers and other stakeholders to exchange knowledge and propose practical solutions to contemporary societal challenges. The proceedings extend beyond Human Kinetics, Sports Science and Health Education. They contain scholarly contributions from Environmental Education, Educational Management, Mass Communication and other related disciplines. This diversity reflects the conference’s commitment to promoting interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing individual wellbeing, sporting excellence, environmental sustainability, educational development, effective communication, social cohesion and economic advancement. The papers published in these proceedings are intended to contribute to academic scholarship, professional practice, institutional development and evidence-based policymaking in Nigeria and beyond. Conference Organisers. The First Joint Academic Conference was jointly organised by: Department of Human Kinetics and Sports Science, University of Calabar Department of Health Education and Promotion, University of Calabar Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, University of Cross River State Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, University of Education and Entrepreneurship Department of Physical and Health Education, Federal College of Education, Obudu