In a ceremony marked by both pomp and profound significance, the African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja, on Friday 31st July 2026, formally inducted its inaugural cohort of Doctor of Philosophy candidates in Leadership and Governance, as well as Policy and Strategic Studies.
It was a day of pride and history for the university, as it marked the beginning of a new academic chapter that goes far beyond the usual start of a session.
Professor Azikiwe Peter Onwualu, FAS, the AUST’s President, told the inductees that the moment was not just about launching new programmes but was about creating a platform to reshape leadership across Africa.
According to him “The university is not simply welcoming students into doctoral programmes in leadership and Public Policy, but launching a new platform for scholarship that seeks to shape leadership, strengthen institutions and contribute meaningfully to national development and Africa’s transformation.”
While AUST is well known for its strength in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, Professor Onwualu explained that innovation alone is not enough. He stressed that for scientific progress to truly benefit society, it must be guided by strong leadership and sound policies.
“Innovations need to be supported by visionary leadership, sound governance, evidence-based public policy and innovative business decisions,” he said. “Nations are transformed not only by innovation, but also by the quality of leadership that guides institutions and the policies that shape societies.”
The President outlined the university’s broader vision for these doctoral programmes which in his words were to produce scholars whose researches would extend beyond academic papers and actually influence governments, organizations, and communities. “Our vision is to develop graduates who will not only generate knowledge, but also apply that knowledge to solve complex societal challenges,” he said.
To the inductees, Professor Onwualu called them pioneers with a heavy but honourable responsibility. He reminded them that a PhD is not just a degree—it is a lifelong commitment to learning, discipline, and service. “As the first cohort, you are pioneers; your achievements will establish the standards upon which these courses will be judged for many years to come,” he told them. “Future students will look back at your contributions as the foundation upon which this academic community was built. That is both an honour and a responsibility.”
He urged them to stay curious, resilient, and honest in their work, and to never shy away from questioning old ideas in order to find better ones. He also pointed out that today’s world is filled with complex challenges—from governance and security to economic development and social justice—and that these require leaders who can think deeply and act wisely. “Build strong relationships with your supervisors, engage actively with your colleagues, remain open to new perspectives and let your research be driven by relevance, excellence and impact,” he encouraged them.
The ceremony also featured a lecture by former House of Representatives Speaker, Rt. Hon. Oladimeji Bankole, who shared personal insights on strategic leadership under the theme, “Strategic Leadership: My Personal Experience.”
With this historic induction, AUST is sending a clear message: that the future of Africa depends not only on what we invent, but on how we lead. And these pioneer doctoral candidates are now part of that vision.