The President of the African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja, Distinguished Professor Azikiwe Peter Onwualu, FAS, will be delivering the Pre-Convocation Lecture at the 21st, 22nd and 24th Combined Convocation Ceremonies of Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe, Anambra State, scheduled for November 19-20, 2026.

Professor Onwualu, a distinguished academic, engineer, researcher and university administrator, is recognised for his contributions to engineering, scientific research, technological innovation and higher education development in Nigeria. He holds a PhD in Agricultural Engineering from the Technical University of Nova Scotia, Canada, and is a Professor of Agricultural Engineering at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

With several decades of experience in the academia, research and institutional leadership, Professor Onwualu has held strategic positions in some of Nigeria’s leading science and technology institutions. These include serving as Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), where he contributed to advancing research, industrial development and the utilisation of Nigeria’s raw materials. He also served as Director of Engineering Infrastructure at the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI).

His professional contributions extend to leadership within the Nigerian scientific and engineering communities, including his former position as President of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering. He is a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Science (FAS), among other distinguished professional bodies. His career reflects a sustained commitment to research, innovation, capacity development and the application of science and technology to national development.

The Pre-Convocation Lecture will form part of activities marking the College’s combined convocation ceremonies, which would bring together distinguished guests, alumni, parents, well-wishers and members of the academic community to celebrate the achievements of the institution and its graduating students.
Professor Celestine U. Aguoru will also feature at the occasion as Chairman, while the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, is expected to make a special appearance.
According to the programme announced by the College, activities will commence at 10.00 a.m. on Thursday, 19 November, followed by the Pre-Convocation Lecture. The ceremonies will continue on Friday, 20 November 2026.

Established in 1976, Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe, is one of Nigeria’s established teacher-training institutions. Named after Nigeria’s former Senate President, Dr Nwafor Orizu, the College has contributed to teacher education and human capital development through its academic programmes and professional training initiatives.

The invitation of Professor Onwualu underscores the importance of bringing experienced academic and institutional leaders into conversations on education, research, innovation and the future of human capital development.

The African University of Science and Technology congratulates Nwafor Orizu College of Education on its forthcoming convocation ceremonies and wishes the graduating students and the entire College community a successful celebration.