Abuja,Nigeria , The African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Rhizome Consulting Ltd., a professional management consulting firm based in Abuja that specialises in organisational development, human capital solutions and corporate sustainability.

The partnership aims to strengthen human capital development by fostering collaboration between academia and industry, while promoting research, innovation, leadership development and sustainable capacity building.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, the President of AUST, Prof. Azikiwe Peter Onwualu, FAS, gave an overview of the University’s history, noting that AUST commenced postgraduate programmes in 2007 before expanding to include undergraduate programmes. He also highlighted the introduction of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and other short courses, reaffirming the University’s commitment to innovation, research commercialisation and industry relevance.

Prof. Onwualu stressed the importance of human capital development and mentorship at all levels. He urged both institutions to ensure that the thematic areas of the MoU are actively implemented, emphasising that the partnership should produce tangible outcomes rather than become a document left on the shelf.

Leading the Rhizome Consulting Ltd. delegation, Mr Ugochukwu Umeokeke outlined the firm’s vision for the partnership, which includes bridging the gap between theory and practice, promoting peer learning and international leadership programmes, recruiting and developing mid-level talent, and advancing collaborative research, including artificial intelligence initiatives supported by development partners such as the World Bank and the European Union.

Mr Umeokeke expressed concern over the widening skills gap among graduates despite their strong academic qualifications, noting that academic certificates alone are no longer sufficient in today’s competitive labour market. He cited a recent recruitment exercise for a mid-level position within the company, which attracted approximately 2,000 applications, yet none of the candidates possessed the combination of practical skills required for the role. According to him, this has become a recurring challenge for many employers seeking competent and industry-ready professionals.

The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to ensuring that the partnership delivers practical, measurable outcomes that will enhance human capital development, strengthen industry-academia collaboration and create lasting value for both institutions.

The meeting was attended by Prof. Azikiwe Peter Onwualu, FAS, President, AUST; Mr Ben Okonkwo, Bursar, AUST; Mr Ugochukwu Umeokeke; Mr Jibril Lawal;Snr.Manager, Rhizome Consulting, Anyasodo Salome;Consultant, Mr Kingsley Ogwudu, Senior Manager, AUSTInspire; Prince Obioha Atulomah, Head, Media Services/Public Relations, AUST; and Mr Dike Chibuzo Emmanuel, Administrative Assistant, Media Services/Public Relations, AUST.