AUST Delegation Strengthens Ties with Greenfield Chamber Ahead of AfricaX Summit

The President of the African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja, Prof. Azikiwe Peter Onwualu, led a high-level delegation on a courtesy visit to the Greenfield Chamber of Commerce, reinforcing efforts to bridge the gap between research and industry.

During the meeting, the AUST President formally invited the Chamber to partner on the forthcoming AfricaX Summit 2026, scheduled to take place from 27 to 29 April 2026. He outlined plans for the opening day to be hosted at the Petroleum Technology Development Fund and highlighted the involvement of key stakeholders already committed to the initiative.

Prof. Onwualu emphasised the importance of strengthening linkages between academia and industry, noting that both sectors continue to generate valuable research and innovative solutions that require effective collaboration to achieve real-world impact. He encouraged the Chamber to mobilise its members to participate in panel sessions, exhibitions, and the opening ceremony.

He further highlighted AUST’s institutional growth, noting its expansion from postgraduate programmes to undergraduate offerings, with plans underway to introduce programmes in law and medicine. He positioned the conference as a strategic platform to connect research outputs with industry needs and inform policy development.

In response, the Chamber, led by Emeka J. P. Obegolu, SAN, commended the initiative and reiterated its long-standing commitment to fostering collaboration between research institutions and industry players. While affirming its readiness to participate, the Chamber noted the need to manage potential scheduling constraints and ensure effective coordination of its members and staff.

Both parties agreed on key next steps, including the formalisation of partnership terms. These will involve a written request for the use of the Chamber’s logo, discussions on the management of conference proceeds, and the establishment of a joint working group to define a clear framework for collaboration.

The AUST delegation included Kingsley Ogwudu, Senior Manager of AUSTInspire Hub; Boniface Alaneme; Chukwumezie Okolo, President/Executive Director of The Rite Place; and Blessing Iweha, Assistant to the Media and Public Relations Unit.

The meeting concluded with mutual expressions of appreciation and a shared commitment to sustained engagement, marking a significant step towards strengthening academia–industry partnerships in Nigeria.