AUST Hosts 10th Convocation Ceremony: Honours Innovators and Charts New Course for Africa’s Development
The African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja, marked a significant milestone with its 10th Convocation Lecture and Ceremony, celebrating a decade of excellence in science, technology, and innovation while unveiling ambitious plans for the future.
The ceremony commenced on Monday, January 13, 2025, with the 10th Convocation Lecture held at the AfDB Hall.
AUST President, Professor Azikiwe Peter Onwualu, FAS welcomed guests and expressed gratitude to the university’s Board members and partners for their continued support.
He reflected on AUST’s remarkable growth, from offering a handful of postgraduate programs to its current diverse academic portfolio, including nearly 20 Masters and Doctoral degree programs.
Onwualu also emphasized the impact of AUSTInspire, the university’s innovation hub, which has created employment opportunities and equipped students with critical industry-relevant skills.
The convocation lecture was delivered by Dr. Emeka Agbasi, Managing Director and CEO of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), who spoke on the theme “Improving Road Infrastructure in Nigeria.” Introducing Dr. Agbasi, AUST lecturer Dr. Bosco Okolo-Obi highlighted his distinguished career and contributions to national development.
Dr. Agbasi’s lecture focused on the crucial role of road infrastructure in Nigeria’s economic growth. He described road transportation as the backbone of the economy, facilitating approximately 95% of the nation’s movement of people and goods.
Tracing the historical development of Nigeria’s road network, he acknowledged progress but underscored the significant deterioration due to inadequate maintenance.
He stressed that well-maintained roads improve connectivity, facilitate trade, create jobs, and enhance access to essential services like education and healthcare. Furthermore, efficient road networks lower transportation costs, reduce travel time, and decrease road accidents, ultimately benefiting businesses and consumers alike.
Dr. Agbasi outlined key government initiatives addressing these challenges, including the Renewed Hope Policy, the Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI), and SUKUK bond funding. However, he acknowledged persistent issues such as inconsistent funding, political interference, outdated construction practices, and climate change impacts.
To address these challenges, he advocated for a holistic strategy involving lifecycle planning, quality-driven construction, preventive maintenance, and the adoption of innovative technologies.
He also outlined the importance of private-sector partnerships and stakeholders collaboration to ensure a sustainable and efficient road network.
Following his address, AUST Board member Professor Muhammadou Kahl praised Dr. Agbasi’s insights and emphasized the need for innovative and environmentally sustainable infrastructure solutions. He also highlighted AUST’s strategic role in training the next generation of engineers and scientists to lead infrastructure development using advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and space technology collaborations.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Dr. Abdulmalik Usman Bello, Chairman of the Senate Committee, who expressed deep appreciation to AUST’s Board of Trustees, distinguished guests, students, and operational teams for their contributions to the event’s success.
On January 14, 2025, AUST held its 10th Convocation Ceremony, celebrating its decade-long contributions to scientific research, technological innovation, and entrepreneurship while laying out an ambitious vision for the future of education in Africa.
In his address, AUST President Prof. Azikiwe Peter Onwualu reflected on the university’s journey since its founding in 2007 under the Nelson Mandela Institution (NMI). He described AUST as a center of excellence dedicated to producing the next generation of African researchers and innovators.
Prof. Onwualu highlighted the university’s transition from a postgraduate-only institution to an expanding academic hub offering undergraduate and business programs. He emphasized AUST’s project-based learning approach, industry partnerships, and focus on critical thinking to ensure graduates are well-equipped for the workforce.
He announced plans for further expansion into emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Public Health, and Environmental Sciences, following recent approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC). He also reiterated AUST’s commitment to innovation through AUSTInspire, the university’s entrepreneurship hub supporting start-ups and sustainable development initiatives.
While acknowledging the introduction of tuition fees, Prof. Onwualu called for stronger public-private partnerships to restore AUST’s scholarship-driven model and sustain its ambitious growth. He also celebrated the launch of two new Centers of Excellence:
1.The African Institute for Gender and Innovation
2.The African Centre for Artificial Intelligence
Both centers aim to address critical challenges in Africa by fostering research and innovation in gender equality and advanced technology.
The ceremony’s keynote address was delivered by Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), who spoke on “AI and Frontier Technologies: Harnessing Opportunities and Tackling Challenges to Drive Africa’s Development.”
She emphasized the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in reshaping industries, governance, and education across Africa. However, she cautioned that while AI offers immense benefits, strategic policies must be implemented to address concerns such as data privacy, ethical considerations, and algorithmic bias.
A highlight of the event was the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees on four distinguished individuals for their significant contributions to national development:
•Alhaji Kashim Imam
•Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF)
•Mr. Oliver Alawuba, Group Managing Director of UBA
•Engineer Abisoye Coker-Odusote, Director General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC)
Engineer Coker-Odusote, who also served as the commencement speaker, was recognized for her transformative leadership in Nigeria’s identity management system. In her acceptance speech, she expressed gratitude for the honor and a commitment to driving impactful development initiatives.
The convocation also showcased AUST’s commitment to innovation through the AUST Climate Change Innovation Challenge for Women-Led Startups. Winners were honored by AUSTInspire, reinforcing the university’s dedication to supporting female entrepreneurs and tackling global challenges through innovation.
AUST’s 10th Convocation Ceremony was a celebration of academic excellence, innovation, and strategic vision. By combining scientific research, entrepreneurship, and strong industry partnerships, AUST continues to position itself as a leader in shaping Africa’s technology-driven future.
With its expansion into emerging fields, investment in research, and commitment to sustainable growth, AUST is set to play a pivotal role in Africa’s development for years to come.