Africa Science Week 2026 Ends at AUST with Strong Call for Innovation-Driven Development Across Africa

African University of Science and Technology, in partnership with African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, successfully hosted a two-day Africa Science Week 2026 at the RMRDC Hall, Abuja, with renewed calls for science, innovation and sustainable development to drive Africa’s future.

The event which has as a theme "Advancing Science, Innovation and Sustainable Development Across Africa" brought together the academia, policymakers, researchers, innovators, students and development partners from across the continent for high-level discussions, exhibitions and collaborative dialogue.

The opening ceremony featured keynote remarks by the President of AUST, Professor Peter Azikiwe Onwualu, who described Africa Science Week as a platform for innovation, discovery and continental collaboration. He highlighted pressing challenges facing Africa, including healthcare, food security, energy, climate change, infrastructure, transportation and digital transformation, stressing that sustainable solutions must emerge from homegrown, research-driven innovation.

Professor Onwualu emphasised the importance of transforming academic research into practical impact, while encouraging stronger collaboration among universities, industry and government institutions. He also commended recent national efforts to strengthen research funding, including the Federal Government’s proposed $500 million research initiative and plans for a National Research and Innovation Development Fund expected to be presented before the National Assembly.

The programme also featured an institutional presentation by African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, delivered by Ademu Shwaibu, who outlined the organisation’s mission of strengthening mathematical sciences education and research across Africa. He highlighted AIMS’ presence in five African countries and its contribution to training thousands of graduates in fields such as artificial intelligence, epidemiology and machine learning, including specialised programmes conducted in partnership with Google AI.

A major highlight of the event was the scientific exhibition and innovation showcase coordinated by AUST Inspire. Mr Jibril demonstrated practical applications of STEM education through live 3D-printing sessions, digital design demonstrations and innovation prototypes aimed at translating classroom knowledge into real-world solutions and entrepreneurial opportunities.

During the Pan-African Science Forum and Dialogue sessions held on the second day, moderated by Mrs Onyebuchi Ekpolomo, Chief Librarian, panellists explored strategies for strengthening innovation ecosystems across Africa. Discussions focused on expanding youth participation in science and technology, increasing access to laboratories and innovation hubs, improving the commercialisation of research outputs, and promoting investment in research and development.

Dr Olusegun Toluhi, Hod, Civil Engineering, stressed that innovation does not always require expensive infrastructure, noting that young people can leverage smartphones, open-source software, digital laboratories, simulation tools and locally sourced materials to develop impactful solutions. The discussions also highlighted the need for African innovations to reflect local realities, particularly in underserved communities with limited digital infrastructure.

During the panel discussion, Dr Ifyinwa Ijeoma Obianyo, Dr Vitalis Anye,Dean School of Engineering and Dr.Abdulhakeem Bello, DAP/VC further advocated curriculum reforms that prioritise practical learning, mentorship, entrepreneurship and stronger academia-industry collaboration. Examples shared during the sessions included innovation incubation programmes, student start-up support systems and mentorship initiatives designed to equip young Africans with skills in artificial intelligence, robotics, machine learning and digital transformation.

The event concluded with closing remarks delivered by Mr Adewale Oluwatobi Festus, who thanked faculty members, students, guest speakers, volunteers and participants for contributing to the success of the programme. He described the two-day gathering as an important platform for advancing scientific collaboration, innovation and sustainable development across the continent.