The African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tornado Tech Nigeria Ltd., operator of the ResearchGains platform, to establish a strategic framework for collaboration in research, language technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and data-driven innovation.

The partnership brings together AUST’s academic, linguistic, and research expertise with Tornado Tech’s technology platform to jointly develop high-quality, ethically grounded research, language resources, and AI-enabled solutions.

The framework provides for collaboration on grant-funded and commissioned projects, with individual Project Schedules to define the scope, timelines, budgets, intellectual property arrangements, and deliverables for each initiative. The agreement also clarifies that no financial obligations arise until specific projects are jointly approved.

Under the MoU, AUST will provide research expertise, academic supervision, ethical oversight, and qualified personnel, while Tornado Tech will lead project design, provide technical infrastructure through the ResearchGains platform, manage project implementation, and coordinate funding arrangements.

The agreement places strong emphasis on responsible AI, compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, informed consent, and ethical research practices. It also includes provisions on intellectual property protection, confidentiality, non-circumvention, dispute resolution, and quarterly review meetings to monitor progress.

The collaboration is expected to strengthen academic–industry partnerships, expand opportunities for research funding, promote innovation, and support the responsible development of AI technologies and language resources that address national and regional needs.