AUST HOSTS NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF AGRICULTURE TO STRENGTHEN INNOVATION AND RESEARCH IN AFRICA

The Africa University of Science and Technology (AUST) hosted some delegates from the National Institute of Agriculture (NIA) who paid a courtesy call on the President of the university, Professor Azikiwe Peter Onwualu, FAS in his office in Abuja. in his remarks, the head of the NIA team, Engr. Prof. S. M Musa hinted that the visit was to identify possible windows of collaboration between the Insitute and AUST more especially in the area of innovation, research, and development not only in Nigeria but across Africa. He thanked the AUST President for the warm reception granted him and members of his team and pledged to contribute positively to the collaborating efforts of the two establishments once they are outlinesd. In his response, the AUST President, Professor Azikiwe Peter Onwualu, outlined AUST's mission to equip African students with the skills needed to drive innovation, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth. He stressed that the university has been actively involved in high-level research and training since its inception in 2007, with a particular focus on fields such as mathematics, physics, petroleum engineering, civil engineering, and mechanical engineering. Prof. Onwualu emphasized the university's recent expansion via the introduction of undergraduate programs and collaborations with agencies like the Space Agency as steps being taken by the university to contribute to the developmental efforts of governments both in Nigeria and outside. He reiterated the readiness of the university to collaborate with the Institute for the mutual benefits of both organizations.