AUST/FMW To Partner On Research And Infrastructural Development

The African University of Science and Technology (AUST) Abuja and the Federal Ministry of Works are to partner on Research programs that address challenges in the field of civil engineering, urban planning, road construction, road maintenance, skills development and staff training.‌‌

The Acting President, African University of Science and Technology(AUST) , Professor Azikiwe Peter Onwualu, FAS,stated this in Abuja  when he led a delegation to the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi in his office in Abuja.‌‌

According to Prof. Onwualu, the African University of Science and Technology in recognition of te enormous functions of the work ministry would like to partner with the ministry in research initiatives, skill acquisition and development, internship programs, knowledge exchange as well as in jointly hosting conferences, round tables, webinars , workshops, short courses and public lectures on mutually agreed topics.‌‌

The AUST boss also called for collaboration with the Works ministry in the area of capacity building, technical advisory services, policy formulation and implementation as well as execution of one of the flagship projects, National Engineering Innovation Award.‌‌He urged the Minister to sustain the current tempo of road reconstruction and maintenance until all federal roads are made motor-able.‌‌

In his response, the Works Minister, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Alhaji Yakubu Kofarmata assured that new innovations in the Ministry would be geared towards achieving Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda in infrastructural development.‌‌This, he explained, would be felt especially in road construction and rehabilitation for ease of doing business in all sectors of the Nigerian economy.‌‌

“We need your input. We need to have this knowledge extension. All hands must be on deck to ensure that Mr President and the present administration succeeds. No compromise, no going back,” he said.‌‌On the partnership with AUST, the Permanent Secretary described the move as timely and reiterated the commitment of the Federal Ministry of Works in partnering wit institutions and professional bodies in ensuring infrastructural development using new research technologies.‌‌

Professor Onwualu was accompanied to the works ministry by Dr. Vitalis Anye, Head of Department, Materials Science and Engineering; Dr. Chukwuemeka Uwanaka, Head of Department, Business Administration and Management Sciences, Prince Obioha Sampson Atulomah, Head, Media Services/Public Relations, Mr. Solomon Ibrahim, Budget Officer and Personal Assistant to the AUST President.