NACETEM, AUST Host Three-Day Training on Systems Thinking and System Dynamics
Abuja, Nigeria – March 14, 2025 – The African University of Science and Technology (AUST), in collaboration with the National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM), successfully hosted a three-day training program on Systems Thinking and System Dynamics to enhance public policy-making in Nigeria.
The training, which began on March 12 2025, brought together policymakers, academics, and professionals to explore the transformative power of systems thinking in tackling complex societal challenges.
In his welcome address, AUST President, Prof. Azikiwe Peter Onwualu, FAS, encouraged participants to embrace systems thinking, emphasizing its broad application across disciplines, including aerospace engineering. He highlighted that viewing organizations as systems leads to more effective problem-solving and decision-making, a crucial approach for addressing Nigeria’s policy challenges.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Olushola S. Odusanya, Director-General/CEO of NACETEM, underscored the urgency of action-oriented thinking and a deeper understanding of systemic processes. He pointed out that the internet has accelerated the impact of system dynamics, and AUST is well-positioned to unite thought leaders in driving innovative solutions. He expressed confidence that the training would equip a new generation of Nigerians with the ability to think at the rate of change, leading to advancements in social sciences and behavioral studies.
Adding an international perspective, Prof. Stefano Armenia, a specialist in organizational behavior, discussed the importance of system dynamics in problem-solving worldwide. He explained that this methodology, which originated in the United States, can be applied across multiple disciplines to analyze processes, behaviors, and decision-making more effectively. He emphasized that many decisions are constrained by individual rationality and mental models, limiting the ability to see the bigger picture. Systems thinking, he argued, provides the tools to overcome these limitations, leading to better policy decisions.
The three-day training ended on March 14, 2025, with a group presentation by participants, showcasing insights gained throughout the program. This was followed by the award of certificates of proficiency to the participants.
Expressing his appreciation, Dr. Odusanya delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks, hinting at future collaborations between NACETEM and AUST. He also promised more certificate training programs and degree initiatives aimed at further strengthening Nigeria’s capacity for systemic problem-solving.
The event marked a significant step toward integrating systems thinking and system dynamics into Nigeria’s policy-making landscape, reinforcing the role of academic institutions in driving sustainable national development.