Belgium Embassy Explores Strategic Collaboration with AUST During Inspection Visit
The African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja, on [date], hosted representatives of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Belgium on an inspection and engagement visit aimed at exploring opportunities for academic, research, and industry collaboration between Belgium and Nigeria.
The visit brought together officials of the Belgian Embassy and senior management and faculty of AUST to discuss partnerships linking Belgian industry and institutions with AUST’s strengths in advanced logistics, mining, research commercialization, and university-led innovation.
Welcoming the delegation, the President of AUST, Prof. Azikiwe Peter Onwualu, provided an executive briefing on the history and mandate of the University. He traced AUST’s origin to the Nelson Mandela Institution and highlighted its mission to train high-level African manpower, reduce brain drain, and build continent-wide research and innovation capacity. Prof. Onwualu emphasized that AUST has benefited from sustained support from the World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB) for over a number of years, alongside grants from the European Union, including Erasmus programs, and partnerships with national agencies such as RMRDC, NASDA, and NASENI. He also noted recent recognition by the United Nations in support of transparent education initiatives.
Representing the Belgian Embassy were Dorien laermans First Secretary for Political Affairs and Celia-Pearl Erodajaye, Political and Economic Assistant, The embassy team outlined Belgium’s interest in fostering linkages between African universities and overseas partners, particularly in areas of industrial innovation, logistics, and mining.
During the meeting, AUST presented its academic structure, which includes schools in Engineering, Science Education, Computing and Information Technology, and Management and Business, as well as its expanding undergraduate programs alongside established MSc and PhD tracks. Participants reviewed the University’s research capacity and funding landscape, noting support from multilateral donors such as the World Bank, AfDB, and EU-funded programs.
The University highlighted its centers of excellence and thematic centers as platforms for industry collaboration and commercialization. These include the Pan-African Materials Institute, centers focused on climate change, gender and development, urban transformation, and continuing professional development, as well as the Center for Urban Transportation Studies (CUTS).
Speaking on research priorities, Dr. Vitalis Anye, Dean of the School of Engineering, outlined AUST’s work in materials science for energy conversion, biomass valorization, mineral processing, biomaterials, and nanoparticle applications. He noted that many AUST MSc and PhD students are engaged in fully funded research and global exchanges in countries such as Germany, the United States, and Italy, with several doctoral projects coordinated through international research networks. He also highlighted ongoing biomass research, patent achievements, and the University’s growing research infrastructure.
Dr. Eunice Akpala-OKanfor, Director of the Directorate for Research and Innovation, explained the Directorate’s role in coordinating competitive research grants, supporting postgraduate training, and translating research outputs into market-ready products. She highlighted ongoing engagements with European partners through Horizon Europe and Erasmus Plus, as well as MOUs that enable shared course delivery with European universities, allowing students to access international curricula locally at reduced cost.
The Center for Urban Transportation Studies, represented by Mr. Uzodinma Cosmos on behalf of its Head, Engr. Christopher N. Chigboh, presented its mandate across urban transport systems, land use and planning, consultancy, and capacity building. The Center offered to host Belgian experts and facilitate access to Nigerian government agencies for policy-oriented collaboration.
Innovation and entrepreneurship efforts were also showcased by Mr. Kingsley Ogwudu, Senior Manager of AUSTInspire Hub, who described the Hub as a platform that goes beyond research to nurture startups, innovation, and idea development. He announced the upcoming AfricaX Summit, scheduled for April, which will bring together African innovators and storytellers to showcase country-led innovation narratives.
The Belgian Embassy representatives discussed broader bilateral cooperation, noting constraints on direct Belgian funding to Nigerian universities but highlighting opportunities through existing partnerships, startup support mechanisms, and embassy-supported EU study programs. Discussions also covered plans for innovation matchmaking, startup funding models, and potential engagement through platforms such as the Africa Innovation and Investment Summit.
The meeting concluded with expressions of mutual interest in deepening university-to-university cooperation, student mobility, joint research, and industry partnerships. Prof. Onwualu thanked the Belgian delegation for the visit and reaffirmed AUST’s commitment to building impactful international collaborations.
Present at the meeting were Prof. Azikiwe Peter Onwualu (President, AUST), Dr. Eunice Akpala-OKanfor (Director, Research and Innovation), Dr. Vitalis Anye (Dean, School of Engineering), Dr. Anthony Anyakora (Head, CSU), Engr. Dr. Mike Amonye (Head, CEU), Mr. Kingsley Ogwudu (Senior Manager, AUSTInspire Hub), Mr. Uzodinma Cosmos (CUTS), Mr. Atulomah Obioha (Head, Media Services and Public Relations),