ADBN TV, AUST Explore Windows Of Partnership
The Advocate Broadcasting Network ( ADBN) TV and the African University of Science and Technology ( AUST) , Abuja are set to explore windows of collaboration for the mutual benefits of the two organizations.
This news was disclosed when the management team from the television outfit led by the Head of Station, Engr. Ibe Ibe Igbajah paid a courtesy visit to the President of the African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Prof. Peter Azikiwe Onwualu, FAS, in his office in Abuja.
The ADBN team lead identified potential collaborations openings more especially in the area of research dissemination, innovation, commercialization, and public engagement.
According to him "AUST is a well known research oriented university that has ventured in so many live saving researches hence the need to translate such findings into solving problems not only in Nigeria but Africa in general has become imperative" he enthused.
Responding, the AUST President, Prof. Azikiwe Peter Onwualu, FAS, thanked the team for their visit.
He thanked them for the invitation they extended to him for a one hour live programme and pledged the readiness of the university to partner with them.
The university boss outlined the university’s commitment to fostering scientific and technological advancements across Africa, open research facilities where scholars from various institutions collaborate on groundbreaking solutions as well as using such research findings to solve the day to day challenges facing Africa as a whole.
Prof. Onwualu, however, identified inadequate funding as a bane in achieving the aforementioned developmental objectives.
He further stressed that when the partnership arrangement is concluded, the problems being faced by the university in commercializing it's research works will be reduced.
The AUST president harped on the importance of bridging the gap between the academia and market-ready innovations.
Onwualu revealed that while Nigerian researchers produce valuable works, limited investment in local research and development had hindered the translation of the research discoveries from laboratories to industries even as he expressed interest in leveraging both traditional and digital media to raise awareness about AUST’s academic programs, innovation hub, and research breakthroughs and promised that a team from both organizations will meet to fashion out partnership paths to follow.
The Head of Station, ADBN TV, Mr. Ibe Ibe Igajalt, affirmed the media house’s readiness to support AUST in amplifying its impact. He emphasized the potential of a structured partnership that would showcase the university’s strengths in engineering, science, and research innovation. Similarly, Head of Marketing, Mr. Jackson Ufon, highlighted the shift from traditional TV to social media platforms, emphasizing that a mix of both old and new media strategies could enhance the university’s visibility. He proposed a 30-minute documentary series to showcase AUST’s achievements, research facilities, and student success stories.
To receive the visiting team from ADBN, Prof. Onwualu was joined by Dr. Abdulhakeem Bello, Ag. DAP; Mrs. Bolade Igbagbo, HR/Logistics; Mr. Ben Okonkwo, Bursar; Mrs. Murna Opatola, Associate Director of Operations; Mr. Osoba Eromosele, Academic Registrar; Prince Obioha Atulomah, Head ( Media Services/PR); and Ms. Iweha Blessing, Media Assistant, Media Services/ PR while the ADBN Head of Station was joined by Mr. Jackson Ufon – Head of Marketing and Ms. Archibong Kpere-Obong, Reporter/Editor.
The courtesy visit marks the beginning of a promising partnership, with both institutions looking forward to leveraging media for academic and research excellence.