AUST, Rapid Television Explore Windows of Partnership

The African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja and Rapid TV are set to explore windows of collaboration for the mutual benefit of both institutions.

This development was revealed during a courtesy visit by the Rapid TV management team to the President of AUST, Prof. Peter Azikiwe Onwualu, FAS.

Mr John Nkamiaighe, Director of Programs, who led the Rapid TV team, in his remarks,  identified potential collaboration openings, more especially in the areas of education, innovation, commercialization, and public engagement.

According to him “We live in a changing time, and technology is relevant to our everyday lives"

He stressed that they are in AUST to explore areas where Rapid TV and AUST can partner to impact positively on the lives of Nigerians at home and abroad and by so doing  build a long-lasting relationship with the two organizations.

“We can be friends, co-collaborators, and partners" he enthused.

The media he reiterated has a range of methods to meet its targeted audience, and that is why we have picked your institution as a frontline player to spotlight the kind of technology capable of moving Africa to the next level.

Mr. Nkamiaighe added that this collaboration when well nurtured would be of immense benefits to both bodies.

In his reesponse, the President of AUST, Prof. Peter Azikiwe Onwualu, FAS, welcomed the team to the university.

He acknowledged the vital role the media can play in bridging the gap between the academia and the wider society.

According to him, “Most universities are hardly known by the wider world. Even those featured in the media often focus on advertising for students, but partnerships like this can bridge the gap between academia and society.

" When you look at the core mission of universities, training people for the society, conducting research to develop technologies, and offering services through the application of knowledge is often overlooked"

“Society seeks solutions that can help communities. Here in AUST, we have an Innovation Hub where students and staff are actively engaged in idea development and creative problem-solving.

He reaffirmed that the University's readiness to partner Rapid Television in areas such as conferences, webinars, seminars, and other public engagement initiatives.

" If we have a good collaboration, Rapid TV can become a partner in  the areas of their choice” he affirms.

Dr. Abdulhakeem Bello, Acting Director of Academic Planning, thanked the team for their visit and expressed optimism about receiving their formal proposal soon.

To receive the visiting team from Rapid TV, Prof. Onwualu was joined by Prince Obioha Atulomah, Head of Media Services and PR Unit; Mr. Ben Okonkwo, Bursar; Dr. Usman A. Bello, Ag. Dean, SSFR; Mrs. Ekpolomo Onyebuchi,  College Chief Librarian; Dr. Abdulhakeem Bello, Ag. DAP; and Ms. Iweha Blessing, Media  Assistantrom w the while Rapid TV lead, was joined by Ms. Irene Okechukwu, Reporter; Mr. Israel Abaji, Logistics; and Mr. Onyedike Onwualu, technical officer.

The courtesy visit is one among the moves the university has been using to open up windows of collaboration with other establishments.