AUST, STICOMMS, host Pre-conference press briefing.

The Local Organizing Committee of the 1st National Conference on Science, Technology, and Innovation Communication (STICOMMS), in collaboration with the African University of Science and Technology (AUST), announced the inaugural conference to be held from October 21-23, 2025, at AUST in Abuja. Themed “Communicating Science, Technology, and Innovation for National Development,” the event aims to bridge the gap between research and its practical application to drive Nigeria’s knowledge economy.

Professor Azikiwe Peter Onwualu, President of AUST, in his welcome remarks noted the university’s achievements, including securing 10 patents in the past year, now awaiting commercialization. “Our research targets Africa’s challenges in health, agriculture, transportation, energy, and security,” he said, highlighting AUST’s innovation hub and its expansion into undergraduate programs since its founding in 2007.

The announcement of the maiden conference was made by Dr. Bosco Okolo-Obi, Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, during a press briefing on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, AUST. The event was attended by prominent media houses, including Africa Independent Television (AIT), Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Vanguard, Abuja Aso Radio, ThisDay, Armed Forced Radio, alongside other stakeholders from STICOMMS and AUST Community.

Dr. Okolo-Obi highlighted the critical need to address the communication gap that limits the impact of Nigeria’s scientific advancements. “Our universities and research institutes produce groundbreaking research, yet many discoveries remain inaccessible to industries, policymakers, and citizens,” he said. The conference will bring together researchers, industry leaders, policymakers, educators, media, and the public to foster collaboration, break communication barriers, train science communicators, and advocate for policies to institutionalize science communication.

He emphasized alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes economic diversification and innovation-driven growth. “This conference contributes to a Nigeria where knowledge is translated into wealth and innovation creates opportunities for every citizen,” Dr. Okolo-Obi stated. The event will feature keynote addresses, plenary sessions, training workshops, exhibitions, and a hybrid platform for global participation, covering sub-themes such as agriculture, health, energy, technology, and policy.

Mr. Segun Ayeoyenikan, Director of Information, New Media, and Protocol at the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and a committee member, described the conference as a milestone in addressing Nigeria’s “lack of culture” for science, technology, and innovation. “Science communicators must help researchers engage the public,” he said, urging citizens to promote Nigeria’s innovation drive for economic growth.

The press briefing concluded on an engaging and optimistic note.
Dr. Bosco Okolo-Obi, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the press representatives present and others for their time and commitment to amplifying the message of the upcoming conference.

His remarks opened the floor to a brief but thoughtful Q&A session, where members of the press engaged with the idea of the conference and its importance to national development. The interactive exchange not only underscored the inclusive nature of the event but also reflected the core purpose of the conference—bridging gaps between science, policy, and the public through effective communication.