AUST Partners NABDA In Research And Development Projects

The African University of Science and Technology(AUST), Abuja and the National Biotechnology Development Agency(NABDA) are to collaborate in Research and Development projects in areas of mutual interest to both institutions.
The Acting President of the African University of Science and Technology(AUST) and President of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering (NAE), Professor Azikiwe Peter Onwualu, FAS, disclosed this during his collaboration courtesy visit to the Director General of NABDA, Professor Abdullahi Mustapha in his office in Abuja last Tuesday, January 30, 2024.

He stated that AUST has conducted advanced researches in the areas of nanotechnology, biomaterials, biofuels, biomass valorization to natural fibres and bio-composites for industrial applications and these have been used to provide solutions for challenges of healthcare, nutrition, energy, shelter and sustainable materials.

Professor Onwualu ten requested for collaboration in Research and Development projects in the areas of Biomaterials, Biotechnology, Nanotechnology for solving problems in human and animal healthcare and nutrition, agriculture, bioenergy and sustainable materials, long term training of NABDA staff for Higher degrees  in (MSc and PhD) programs; training of staff in short Continuing Professional Development Courses (Certificate and Diploma Programs); incubating biotechnology based start-gramsups in our university based innovation hub – AUSTInspire as well as collaborate in jointly hosting conferences, webinars, workshops and short courses on mutually agreed topics.

Responding, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NABDA, Professor Abdullahi Mustapha commended the AUST boss for his long friendliness with his establishment and expressed his organization’s readiness to partner with AUST in the listed areas of collaboration.

The NABDA Chief Executive thanked the AUST President and his entourage for finding NABDA suitable for this collaboration.
The two Chief Executives agreed to nominate some of their personnel who in turn would form a committee to draft the Memorandum of Understanding(MoU).

Professor Onwualu was accompanied on the visit by Dr. Abdulhakeem Bello, Director, Academic Planning, AUST; Dr Chukwuemeka Uwanaka, Head of Department, Business Administration; Dr. Prisca Onuoha, Coordinator, Continuing Professional Development Program; Prince Obioha Enyinnaya Atulomah, Head, Media Services/PR; Mr. Solomon Ibrahim, Budget Officer and SA to the AUST president and Mr. Chidiebere Uchendu, Media Assistant while the DG NABDA was joined by Dr. Shakirat Ajenifuja, Acting Director, GGB; Gloria Imo Obasi; Ndidi Ntekpere; Dr. Aljarai Yusuf, Joy Salami and a host of other senior management staff.