In a bid to enhance ethics and professionalism at work places and indeed all endeavours of life, the African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja hosted a delegation from the Institute for Ethics and Professional Studies (IFEPS) at the President’s meeting room to explore strategic collaboration in ethics education, professional training, research, policy development, and institutional capacity building.

The President of AUST, Professor Azikiwe Peter Onwualu, FAS,  received the IFEPS delegation led by its Executive Director, Dr Mrs Uyim Akpabio.

Dr. Akpabio in her opening speech, outlined the Institute’s mission of promoting ethical values through initiatives including Citizen’s Digital Responsibility Advocacy, the Children’s Values Initiative, ethics training and certification programmes, and the Journal of Ethics and Governance. 

The Institute proposed the establishment of an IFEP Centre of Excellence for Ethics and Professional Studies at AUST and presented a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), an Ethics Endowment Fund (EEF) prospectus, and other partnership documents for the University’s consideration.

Responding, Professor Onwualu reaffirmed AUST’s commitment to ethics and professionalism, highlighting the University’s research ethics framework, postgraduate ethics training, specialised research centres, and expanding portfolio of academic and professional development programmes. He expressed the University’s willingness to consider hosting the proposed centre and supporting the Ethics Endowment Fund, subject to internal review.

The meeting also explored opportunities for joint professional training in ethics, cybersecurity, public policy, transport safety, and other continuing professional development programmes.

In recognition of his exemplary leadership and commitment to ethical service, Professor Onwualu was presented with the Ethics and Service Award by the Institute.

The meeting concluded with the exchange of partnering documents and a shared commitment to formalizing the collaboration through the proposed Memorandum of Understanding.

The AUST President was joined at the meeting by Dr Abdulhakeem Bello, DAP/Ag. Vice-President Academic; Dr Vitalis Anye, Dean, School of Engineering; Prince Obioha Atulomah, Head, Media Services/PR; Dr Ugonna Obi-Emeruwa,Head,Policy Administration Department;Ms Lizzy Asomugha, Acting Head, General Studies and Center leader, Centre for Gender and Development; and Ms Blessing Iweha, Administrative Assistant, Media Services and Public Relations Unit while Mr Akamimo Joseph, Dr. Rukaiya Cynthia Emmanuel (Legal Adviser), Mrs Rita Yama, and Dr Amos Chom joined Dr. Uyim Akpabio on the epoch-making visit.