About VHCI Lab
Our Mission
The Virtual Human Computer Interaction (VHCI) Lab explores how immersive technologies can foster empathy, compassion, and human flourishing across diverse Nigerian society.
We believe that Virtual Reality allows you to do expensive things cheaply and dangerous things safely—enabling transformative learning experiences that were previously impossible or impractical.
Our Vision
Making the world a better place by promoting love and unity in Nigeria through transformative VR experiences.
We envision a future where immersive technology serves as a powerful tool for character development, social cohesion, and human wellbeing across Africa and beyond.
What We Do
At the VHCI Lab, we use the perspective-taking ability of VR to create learning experiences that lead to behavioral and cognitive improvements in learners of all ages, across different life dimensions:
- Character strengths: Building virtues like empathy, compassion, gratitude, and courage
- Education: Immersive learning across school subject areas
- Health and wellbeing: Mental health interventions and stress reduction
- Work-life balance: Workplace wellness and productivity applications
- Social cohesion: Reducing ethnic discrimination and promoting unity
Our Approach
Interdisciplinary Research
We work at the intersection of psychology and technology, combining rigorous scientific methodology with cutting-edge VR development.
Human-Centered Design
Although VR is our medium, the human person—thoughts, behavior, affections—remains at the core of our work.
Evidence-Based Impact
All our projects undergo rigorous evaluation to measure behavioral, cognitive, and affective outcomes.
African Context
We design solutions specifically for the Nigerian and African context, addressing local challenges while contributing to global knowledge.
Our Story
The VHCI Lab was founded at the Lagos Business School with a vision to bring world-class immersive technology research to Africa.
Under the leadership of Dr. Eugene Ohu, the lab has grown from a small research initiative to a major center for VR empathy research, securing international funding and partnerships.
Major Milestones
- 2018: Dr. Ohu begins multi-year study on immersive technology implications
- 2020: TWCF awards $234,000 grant for empathy and compassion research
- 2025: Recognized as Africa’s leading VR empathy research lab
Location
Virtual Human Computer Interaction Lab
Lagos Business School
Pan-Atlantic University
Km 22, Lekki-Epe Expressway
Ajah, Lagos, Nigeria
Partners & Affiliations
- Lagos Business School – Host institution
- Pan-Atlantic University – University affiliation
- Templeton World Charity Foundation – Major funding partner ($234,000 grant)
- Meta (Facebook) – Research partnership
- J-PAL – Collaborative research