The African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja, has taken another significant step toward advancing scientific research, innovation, and technology development through a strategic partnership with the Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO).

This was highlighted during a courtesy visit by the Director-General of SHESTCO, Hon. Engr. Magaji Da’u Aliyu, PhD, mni, who led a high-powered delegation to AUST to explore areas of collaboration in research, innovation, capacity building, and technology development.

The delegation was received by the President of AUST, Professor Peter Azikiwe Onwualu, alongside members of the University’s management team, faculty, researchers, and other stakeholders.

Welcoming the delegation, Prof. Onwualu expressed appreciation to the Director-General and his team for the visit, describing the proposed collaboration as timely and beneficial to both institutions.

He noted that AUST, as a leading postgraduate institution dedicated to excellence in science, engineering, technology, and innovation, remains committed to building strategic partnerships that strengthen research capacity, foster innovation, and contribute to national and continental development.

“AUST was established to develop world-class scientists, engineers, and innovators capable of addressing Africa’s most pressing challenges. We believe that collaboration with SHESTCO presents enormous opportunities for impactful research, innovation, and capacity building that will benefit both institutions and the nation at large,” Prof. Onwualu stated.

The discussions focused on several areas of mutual interest, including joint research initiatives, staff and student exchange programmes, capacity development, innovation and entrepreneurship, technology commercialization, and access to specialized research facilities.

Speaking during the engagement, the Director-General of SHESTCO Hon. Engr. Dr. Magaji Da’u Aliyu, PhD, mni, emphasized the importance of collaboration between research institutions and universities in driving scientific advancement and technological innovation.

He noted that SHESTCO’s extensive research infrastructure, laboratories, and technical expertise complement AUST’s strengths in advanced scientific education, research, and innovation, creating opportunities for impactful partnerships capable of addressing national and continental challenges.

According to him, stronger collaboration between the two institutions would facilitate the generation of new knowledge, accelerate technological breakthroughs, and support the development of practical solutions for industrial growth and socio-economic development.

The Director-General also reaffirmed SHESTCO’s readiness to provide access to its specialized laboratories, scientific equipment, and technical personnel to support collaborative projects and enhance knowledge sharing between researchers, faculty members, and students of both institutions.

As part of the outcomes of the visit, both institutions agreed to commence discussions on the development of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will provide a formal framework for collaboration.

The proposed agreement is expected to cover joint research projects, innovation programmes, staff and student exchanges, access to research infrastructure, technology commercialization activities, and collaborative funding opportunities.

To ensure effective implementation, both parties also resolved to establish a joint technical committee that will identify priority areas of collaboration and coordinate future engagements.

The meeting underscored the importance of stronger partnerships among universities, research institutions, industry stakeholders, and government agencies in supporting Nigeria’s science, technology, and innovation agenda.

The engagement marks another milestone in AUST’s commitment to fostering impactful partnerships that promote excellence in research, innovation, technology development, and human capital advancement across Africa.

The AUST team comprised Dr. Abdulhakeem Bello, Vice President Administration and Director of Academic Planning; Mr. Ben Okonkwo, Bursar; Prof. Eli Jidere Bala, Head of the Department of Petroleum Engineering; Dr. Mrs. Eunice Okoroafor, Acting Director, Research and Innovation; Mrs. Buchi Ekpolomo, Chief Librarian; Dr. Mrs. Odette Fayen of the Department of Mechanical Engineering; Prince Obioha Atulomah, Head, Media Services and Public Relations; and Mr. Chibuzo Dike, Administrative Assistant, Media Services and Public Relations.

Members of the SHESTCO delegation included Dr. Orishadipe Abayomi, Director (Research) and Public Relations Services; Engr. Edith Y. Ishidi, PhD, Director, Special Duties; Akubo Augustine, Head, Information and Public Relations; Nwokoma F. N., Public Information and Public Relations Officer; Attamah Ugochi Doris, Public Relations/Information Officer II; Abbas Hussain, Protocol Officer; and Ugonwa Ike Eze, Personal/Special Assistant to the Director-General.

The visit concluded with both institutions expressing optimism about the prospects of a mutually beneficial partnership that will strengthen research collaboration, innovation, technology development, and human capital advancement in Nigeria and across Africa.