AUST REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO FOOD SECURITY AT AFOSA GRADUATION CEREMONY
Abuja, Nigeria – August 31, 2025 – The African University of Science and Technology (AUST) has pledged it's continued support for agricultural innovation and food security initiatives across Africa.
This commitment was reaffirmed during the graduation ceremony of the African Food Security Academy (AFOSA) held on Sunday, 31st August 2025, where AUST was represented by Mr. Chimdalu Onwualu.
Speaking on behalf of AUST President, Professor Peter Azikiwe Onwualu, and the Coordinator of the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Unit, Dr. Prisca Nneka Onuoha, Chimdalu Onwualu congratulated the graduates and commended AFOSA’s efforts in equipping young Africans with practical skills to combat food insecurity.
He outlined AUST’s mission under the Nelson Mandela Institution to deliver world-class education and research for Africa’s transformation, noting the university’s achievements in patents, enterprise development, and innovation through the AUST Innovation Hub.
Mr. Onwualu referenced AUST’s pioneering agricultural innovations, including a drone designed to detect plant diseases, as an example of technology-driven solution to strengthen food systems.
He endorsed a proposal raised during the ceremony for creating a dedicated space where graduates can begin producing food products, assuring of AUST’s full support for the initiative.
The event, which marked the completion of the Professional Diploma course in food security practice, featured several key highlights.
The Vice President of AFOSA, Dr. David Okpole, delivered the keynote speech, emphasizing that food security is not only an agricultural issue but a humanitarian one.
He called on graduates and invitees to contribute actively to agricultural growth, even through small-scale farming, as a way to reduce hunger and ensure stability across the continent.
A major highlight of the ceremony was a student-led innovation project presentation, where the first cohort unveiled a locally produced drink, showcasing AFOSA’s emphasis on practical, hands-on learning.
Other speakers, including Professor Martins Adams and Professor Victor Akpan, addressed challenges in Nigeria’s economy, highlighting agriculture’s potential as a growth driver, and encouraged graduates and farmers to sustain their commitment to food production.
Proficiency certificates were presented to the graduates by Mr. Onwualu on behalf of the AUST president and other distinguished guests.
The ceremony concluded with media interviews featuring graduates, farmers, and AFOSA leadership, alongside group photographs with families and well-wishers.
The AFOSA graduation ceremony stood as a testament to the power of collaboration between the academia and specialized training institutions in addressing hunger and empowering the next generation of agricultural innovators.