Koonage Infotech Ltd, a household name in the information and technology sub sector of the Nigerian economy and the African University of Science and Technology (AUST) Abuja are set to collaborate on international digital placement platform aimed at enhancing and transforming university-industry collaborations.

Disclosing this during a collaborative visit to AUST, Mr. Joseph Ibe, Team lead of Koonage Infotech, said that the project’s early successes, including its successful initial deployment at the University of Lagos and active engagement with major corporate partners such as the Dangote Group paved the way for their visit to AUST.

He noted that bringing AUST into the project as a key partner would further refine and validate the platform’s real-world impact.

In his response, the President of AUST, Professor Azikiwe Peter Onwualu, FAS, commended the untiring efforts of Koonage Infotech Ltd in repositioning the digital ecosystem stressing that this has connected students and graduates of institutions in Nigeria with practical work experience under a single operational interface.

He posits that digital platforms had actively improved internship management while also boostingll students employability.

Prof. Onwualu, highlighted key parameters for a successful rollout, including data integrity, institutional funding structures and the preservation of traditional mentorship roles.

One of the outcomes of the interface was the agreement by the two organizations to set up a new benchmark for structured, technology-driven industrial training across the region.

The AUST President was joined by Dr. Olusegun Toluhi, Head of Department, Civil Engineering; Dr. David Afolayan, Acting Head of Department, Mechanical Engineering; Dr. Jude A. Adeleke, Head of Department, Software Engineering, Engr. Dr. Mike Amonye, General SIWES Coordinator; Engr. Buduwara Aga, SIWES Coordinator, Civil Engineering Department; Ms. Hadiza Isa Abdullahi, SIWES Coordinator, Software Engineering Department; Dr. Odette Ngasoh, SIWES Coordinator, Mechanical Engineering Department; Engr. Kizito Nwachukwu, SIWES coordinator, Petroleum Engineering Department; Dr. Glory Ekaette, SIWES Coordinator, Business Administration Department; Ms. Nkechi Ajaegbo, SIWES coordinator, Computer Science Department, Ms. Okafor Nkem, general secretary, SIWES programme and Mr. Dike Chibuzo, Administrative Assistant, Media Services/PR.

Koonage Infotech’s team lead was accompanied on the memorable visit by Ms. Asogwa Vivian, Administrative Officer; Ms. Rashidat Idris, Business Developement Officer and Mr. Kehinde Otaru, Marketing Developement Officer.