FERMA, AUST Forge Ground-breaking Road Research Partnership

Abuja, Nigeria — The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and the Africa University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja are poised to collaborate on pioneering research in road infrastructure, with a focus on cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence and smart censor systems.

At a recent strategic meeting, AUST President FAS , Professor Peter Azikiwe Onwualu , underscored the university’s commitment to transforming road management through innovative research.

Central to the proposed partnership is the establishment of a joint “Smart Roads Lab,” envisioned to revolutionize road maintenance and predictive infrastructure monitoring across Nigeria.

FERMA’s Managing Director, Dr. Engr. Chukwuemeka Agbasi, emphasized the crucial role of academia-industry collaborations in driving national development.

He noted that merging academic research with practical, on-the-ground experience can accelerate technological breakthroughs in infrastructure.

Key focus areas for the partnership include the development of sustainable construction materials and the application of advanced technologies to anticipate and prevent road failures.

Founded in 2007 with support from the Nelson Mandela Institution, AUST brings robust, multidisciplinary research capabilities to the table.

Both FERMA and AUST expressed strong enthusiasm for launching collaborative, high-impact research initiatives that will enhance Nigeria’s road infrastructure and strengthen the country’s technological edge.

In attendance at the meeting were Engr. Sam Akiwemi and Mrs. Gloria Ajaegbu, both from the Faculty of Civil Engineering; Mr. Kingsley Ogwudu, Technical Assistant to the President and AustinSpire Manager; and Miss Iweha Blessing, Media Assistant.

The meeting marks a significant step forward in fostering innovation, infrastructure development, and knowledge-driven partnerships in Nigeria.