Prof. Azikiwe Peter Onwualu, FAS, President, AUST (5th from left) in a group photograph with BAI and AUST management teams shortly after the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), held at AUST recently.

The African University of Science and Technology (AUST) has partnered with the Blockchain Adoption Initiative Ltd (BAI) in a three-year programme aimed at closing the gap between classroom learning and real-world tech skills across Africa.

Running from 2026 to 2029, the partnership will introduce professional certificate programs, support joint research, and set up innovation hubs right on AUST’s campus in Galadimawa, Abuja.
The program also encourages local innovation, with a focus on helping African youths build their own tech solutions and explore robotics. Industry experts will visit campus regularly for talks, demos, and informal discussions.

The President of AUST, Prof. Azikiwe Peter Onwualu, FAS, in his welcome address at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), noted that the timing couldn’t be better as the university has recorded about 80% of its undergraduate applications in IT fields like cybersecurity, data science, and AI. He enthused that through this partnership, students will get training in blockchain, AI policy, and fintech, which are areas that match what today’s job market actually needs.

This isn’t just about theory, Prof Onwulau said. Students will work on practical blockchain projects involving mineral tracking, commodity trading, carbon credits, and digital certificate verification.

This partnership reflects a shared commitment to preparing African students for the future; not just with degrees, but with skills that matter. It’s a practical, forward-looking move that promises to make tech education more relevant and accessible across the region.

The President was joined at the MoU signing by: Dr. Abdulhakeem Bello, DP/VPA, AUST; Mr. Ben Okonkwo, Bursar, AUST; Dr. Ugonna Obi-Emeruwa, Head, Department of Public Policy, AUST; Prince Obioha Atulomah, Head, Media Services/Public Relations, AUST; Dr. Prisca Onuoha, Coordinator, CPD, AUST; Okoi-Obuli W. Ade, Administrative Assistant, CPD, AUST, Mr. Dike Chibuzo, Administrative Assistant, Media Services/Public Relations, AUST.
The BAI delegation, led by Janet Temitope-Oyelade included: Abubakar Muh’d Badu; Chisomaga Ezeocha; Ugoji Harrison; Babajide Agbaje; Uzor Peters; Eze Uchechi; Eseoghene Keila Awaritoma; Kayode Emmanuel Faluyi.