AUST Hosts Student Sensitisation Programme with Nigerian Computer Society
The African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja, recently hosted a student sensitisation programme in collaboration with the Nigerian Computer Society (NCS), aimed at strengthening industry–academic linkages, enhancing student development, and promoting professional pathways in computing.
The engagement brought together leadership of the School of Computing and representatives of the NCS to explore opportunities for sustained collaboration. In his welcome remarks, the Head of Department, Computer Science, Dr Felix Ade, expressed appreciation to the visiting team and underscored the importance of fostering closer ties between students and industry practitioners. He introduced the vision of a “Technical Home” to ensure continuity in student membership and engagement with professional bodies beyond graduation.
Representing the NCS, team lead Mayowa Ajiboye provided an overview of the society’s structure, training mandate, and membership categories, ranging from student to fellow level. He also announced plans for a forthcoming national conference in Jos, designed to expose students to both industry and academic developments.
Further presentations by NCS members, including Peter Praise and Kelvin Maurice, focused on practical skill acquisition, networking, and the importance of early engagement in income-generating projects. Students were encouraged to embrace cross-disciplinary learning, form study groups, and leverage online platforms for self-directed growth. The speakers emphasised that beyond technical competence, human skills and professional networks are critical for career advancement.
Discussions also highlighted the role of the NCS in supporting research and emerging fields such as artificial intelligence through certifications, workshops, and training initiatives. Participants noted previous sessions on tools like ChatGPT and outlined plans for expanded training on research platforms, alongside occasional access to subsidised certification vouchers.
The interactive session addressed strategies for improving student engagement, including structured registration processes, inter-university collaboration platforms, and workshops. Participants also examined institutional constraints affecting student unions and explored alternative approaches to ensure inclusive participation within professional networks.
Conversations extended to research support, publication opportunities, and scholarship access, with emphasis on the importance of institutional affiliation in securing funding and recognition. Students were encouraged to take advantage of available opportunities and remain proactive in their academic and professional pursuits.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Jude Adekele commended the NCS team for their impactful engagement and encouraged students to actively participate in professional communities. The event concluded with a vote of thanks and a group photograph.
Also in attendance were Dr Felix Ade HoD Computer Science, Dr Jude Adekele, HoD Software Engineerin, Mrs Nkechi Ajeogbo, Faculty, Mr Ibrahim (Faculty), Mrs Blessing Asomugha,Admin Assistant and Ms. Iweha Blessing Media Admin alongside other NCS delegates including Mr. Mayowa Ajiboye - Team leader,Mr.Kelvin Maurice- Member,Mr. Peter Praise - Member and Mr. Subday Songo - Abuja Laison Officer.
The programme reaffirmed AUST’s commitment to equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and networks required to thrive in an increasingly dynamic global technology landscape.