AUST, Riteplace Nigeria Ltd To Partner on Healthcare And Water Management
The African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja is set to partner with Riteplace Nigeria Ltd on Healthcare and water management.
This was disclosed when Riteplace Nigeria Ltd team led by Dr. Mike Okolo visited the AUST President to explore windows of collaboration between the his organization and the university.
In his presentation , Dr. Mike Okolo, proposed for the establishment of a Centre of excellence dedicated to healthcare, water governance and public leadership.
The concept according to him would outline an innovation-led platform intended to integrate science, leadership, policy and implementation in addressing systemic challenges in healthcare delivery, water management and public policy not only in Nigeria but across the whole of Africa.
He stated that healthcare and water governance should be regarded not solely as sector-specific concerns, but as wider leadership and governance challenges requiring cross-disciplinary solutions.
Dr. Okolo opined that the Centre when put in place will function as a collaborative platform drawing expertise from across the University’s faculties, delivering applied research, fellowship schemes, as well as postgraduate and executive programmes, while also contributing to internally generated revenue.
He further suggested that the Centre be domiciled within the Office of the President, subject to the approval of the relevant University authorities.
The proposal underscores continental policy engagement and scalability. It envisages strategic collaboration with regional institutions, including the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW), to develop certificate, executive and Master’s programmes, harness partner networks for funding and technical expertise, and extend impact beyond Nigeria to the wider African continent.
A central component of the proposal is a proposed “Water Innovation Grand Challenge”, aimed at stimulating research and practical solutions in water purification, packaging and the local manufacture of purification technologies. The presentation also drew attention to concerns surrounding the overuse of reverse osmosis systems, persistent water-borne diseases, emerging microplastics standards and the need for strengthened monitoring and regulatory oversight.
Consideration was equally given to matters of intellectual property protection, risk mitigation and sustainable revenue generation, with the proponent noting that these elements were designed to address institutional concerns and ensure the long-term viability of the Centre.
Responding, the AUST President, Prof. Azikiwe Peter Onwualu, FAS, welcomed the delegation and commended the initiative. He reaffirmed the University’s commitment to partnerships aligned with its strengths in science, engineering and technology.
While acknowledging the potential value of the proposal, Prof. Onwualu, noted that AUST already houses institutes and departments actively engaged in water research, healthcare innovation and leadership development.
He suggested that an initial collaboration through existing structures may prove more expedient than the immediate establishment of a new Centre.
The University requested that Riteplace Nigeria Ltd should submit a concise framework outlining proposed areas of collaboration, accompanied by supporting documentation for further consideration. Particular interest was expressed in technology-driven, implementable solutions capable of delivering measurable impact
Prof. Onwualu was joined at the meeting by Dr. Abdulhakeem Bello, Acting Vice-President, Academic; Mr Ben Okonkwo, Bursar and Director of Finance; Dr Vitalis Anye, Dean, School of Engineering; Prince Obioha Sampson Atulomah, Head, Media Services and Public Relations; Mr Kingsley Ogwudu, Senior Hub Manager, AUSTInspire; and Ms Blessing Iweha, Media Assistant.
Dr. Mike Okolo was accompanied on the visit by Ms Betty Nwankwo, Programme Officer and Mr Boniface Alaneme, Communication Strategy Lead.
The engagement reflects AUST’s continuing commitment to forging strategic partnerships that advance research, innovation and sustainable development across Africa.