AUST Participates in CCHUB Side Event on Innovation in Higher Education
The African University of Science and Technology (AUST), participated in British Council’s Going Global Conference which was held at Abuja Transcorp Hilton between November 26 and 28th, 2024. The theme of the conference was: Building sustainable and relevant tertiary education institutions and systems in Africa. On Wednesday, November 27, 2024, AUST led by its President, Prof. Peter Azikiwe Onwualu, participated in the Higher Education Institution (HEI) Conference side event organized by Co-Creation Hub (CCHUB). The event, themed “Powering the Future of Africa through Uninnovation”, was held at the prestigious Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, and brought together key stakeholders from academia, industry, business, and government to discuss the transformative role of higher education in driving innovation across the continent.
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of the White Paper, “Powering the Future of Africa through Uninnovation”, delivered by Mr. Jude Adejuwon, Practice Lead for HEI Innovation at CCHUB. The document outlines transformative strategies to harness the potential of higher education institutions (HEIs) as drivers of innovation to address Africa’s developmental challenges.
In his remarks, Prof. Azikiwe Onwualu emphasized the indispensable role of higher education institutions (HEIs) in shaping Africa’s future through innovation. He underscored AUST’s unwavering commitment to this vision and spotlighted the university’s partnership with CCHUB in establishing the AUST Innovation Centre; AUST Inspire Hub. He noted that since its launch in 2023, the AUST Inspire Hub has served as a platform for fostering entrepreneurship, creativity, and technological advancement among students and faculty. Prof. Onwualu highlighted the hub's achievements in incubating and supporting a growing number of start-ups addressing various social issues. Other speakers at the event include Mr. Tope Toogun, Technical Adviser to Honorable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology who highlighed the role of universities in innovation ecosystems and the programs of the Ministry in promoting innovation activities in Nigeria.
The event provided a valuable forum for dialogue and networking, as attendees explored innovative solutions to address pressing challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities across the continent. The presence of participants from diverse sectors underscored the importance of cross-disciplinary and cross-sectoral partnerships in driving sustainable development and building resilient economies in Africa.
The African University of Science and Technology remains steadfast in its resolve to push the boundaries of innovation and research. By fostering collaborations with forward-thinking organizations like CCHUB, AUST continues to pave the way for a brighter, more prosperous Africa.