The African University of Science and Technology (AUST) has recorded another milestone in student innovation as its Project Management Institute (PMI) Student Club emerged Second Runner-Up at the PMI West Africa Student Clubs AI Literacy Hackathon 2026.

The achievement followed the club’s participation in the regional competition organised by the PMI Nigeria Chapter, which brought together student clubs to demonstrate their creativity, technical capabilities and understanding of artificial intelligence through innovative solutions.

The AUST team’s participation was made possible through the initiative of Dr. Charity Udodirim Ugonna who is the staff supervisor, assistant director, Raw Materials Research Development Council (RMRDC) and visiting faculty at AUST Management of Information Technology, who facilitated the establishment of the PMI Student Club following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with PMI.

The initiative involved mobilising students, encouraging membership and establishing the club’s executive leadership, which was subsequently inaugurated.

Following an invitation from the PMI Nigeria Chapter, the student executives were encouraged to participate in the hackathon. Despite the short preparation period, the AUST team demonstrated remarkable ingenuity and teamwork by developing and submitting an AI-assisted application for the competition.

In a congratulatory message to the University, the PMI Nigeria Chapter and the hackathon organising team commended the students for their creativity, hard work and presentation, describing their contribution as meaningful to the success of the event.

In addition to the team’s recognition as Second Runner-Up, the student representatives who presented at the hackathon were awarded one-year PMI student memberships, valued at $22 per student. This provides them with further opportunities for professional development, networking and engagement with the global project management community.

The achievement has been warmly received by the University. The President of AUST, 

Prof. Azikiwe Peter Onwualu, FAS, congratulated the students and their supervisor, commending their innovative spirit, teamwork and ability to translate ideas into practical solutions within a limited timeframe.

He also acknowledged Dr Ugodirim Ugonna’s initiative and commitment to establishing the club and creating opportunities for students to engage with the professional project management community. He reaffirmed the University’s commitment to promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, collaboration and practical learning.

The accomplishment highlights AUST’s growing commitment to equipping students with relevant skills and providing platforms through which they can apply their knowledge, explore emerging technologies and compete beyond the University.

Congratulations to the AUST PMI Student Club, its executives, participating students and staff supervisor on this remarkable achievement. You have made AUST proud!