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AUST PARTNERS NIRSAL MICROFINANCE BANK ON ENTREPRENEURAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT

AUST PARTNERS NIRSAL MICROFINANCE BANK ON ENTREPRENEURAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT
A cross section of the management staff from AUST and NIRSAL Microfinance Bank pose for a group photograph shortly after the visit


The African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja is set to partner the NIRSAL Microfinance Bank in the training of entrepreneurs, technologists for the mutual benefits of the two organizations.
The AUST President, Prof. Azikiwe Peter Onwual, FAS, announced this partnership during a courtesy visit by the AUST President and his team to the Managing Director and CEO of NIRSAL Microfinance Bank, Dr. Abubakar Abdullahi Kure in his office in Abuja.

Prof Azikiwe highlighted several innovative and groundbreaking researches carried out by the university with a recent establishment of an innovation incubation hub, the AUSTInspire aimed at creating an ecosystem for commercializing research results to produce innovative goods and services.

He elaborated on areas of partnerships to include; collaboration in the provision of start-up capital and operating loans for start-ups within the AUSTInspire innovation hub, enhanced housing and consumer loans for staff and students under the University Cooperative Society, partnerships in hosting training programs, partnership for NIRSAL membership of the University-Industry Advisory board among others.

He assured that the strategic partnership presents a unique opportunity to drive sustainable economic growth, enhance financial inclusion and empower agric-tech start-ups for the university community.

The President suggested that a team from both sides be set up to work out a memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will outline possible areas and details of the collaboration between both organizations.
On his part, the Managing Director/CEO of the bank underscored importance of skills that can enable individuals as well as students to be self independent through intensive training , entrepreneurial as well as technological development.

He pointed out that the bank has shifted from interventional approach to commercialization as he assured that AUST staff can access start-up loans especially those who open account with them.

To receive the President and his team were; Executive Director, Finance and Risk Management, Shehu Ibrahim Attah, Executive Director Banking, Charles Bassey, Special Assistant to the Managing Director, Mr. S. Aigbe and the Chief Communication Director, Halimatu Lawal Idris Omar.

The President was accompanied on the trip by Dean, School of Management Sciences, Dr. Abubakar Mohammed, Head, Media Services/Public Relation, Prince Obioha Sampson Atulomah, Head, Advancement and Multi-lateral Project, Mrs Gloria Ajaegbu and the Manager, AUSTInspire incubation hub,Mr. Kingsley Ogwudu.