UKRAINIAN EMBASSY, AUST TO EXPLORE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS
Delegates from the Ukrainian Embassy visited the African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja, on Friday, 17 April 2026, to explore avenues for collaboration in research, innovation, and industry-focused development.
Welcoming the delegation, Dr Anthony Anyakora, Head of the Africa Centre for Science and Technology Innovation (ACSU), stated that the visit was aimed at establishing a regional framework to adapt Ukrainian industrial and agricultural products for African markets.
Representing the President of AUST, the Bursar, Mr Ben Okonkwo, delivered the opening remarks, providing an overview of the University’s establishment in 2007, its initial support from the World Bank, and its pan-African research network. He emphasised AUST’s commitment to aligning research with market demands and producing graduates equipped with industry-relevant skills.
In his presentation, the Head of AUSTInspire, Mr Kingsley Ogwudu, highlighted the centre’s enterprise-driven approach to transforming research outcomes into viable ventures. He underscored the role of AUSTInspire in embedding entrepreneurship within the academic curriculum and pointed to its Demo Day as a platform for showcasing student innovations and attracting investor interest. He also called for deeper engagement with the Ukrainian delegation to expand partnership opportunities.
Mrs Gloria Ebere Ajaegbu, Head of Multilateral Affairs at AUST, spoke on the importance of navigating regulatory frameworks and managing international partnerships within Nigeria. She identified priority sectors for collaboration, including agriculture, engineering, technology, iron and steel, machinery, food processing, and electrical equipment. She further noted Ukraine’s expertise in agricultural exports, agri-food technologies, sunflower oil processing, and farm machinery as key areas that could address production gaps in Nigeria.
Speaking on behalf of the Ukrainian delegation, Mr Daniil Shevchuk highlighted Ukraine’s strengths in smart agricultural technologies, e-government systems, IT solutions, and academic cooperation. He commended AUST’s strategic vision and expressed readiness to support knowledge exchange initiatives. He proposed collaborations such as remote lectures by Ukrainian academics, humanitarian-focused engagements, and cultural projects, including the “Ukrainian Bookshelf” donation and photographic exhibitions.
He also stressed the importance of media visibility in attracting investment, noting that increased publicity would enhance opportunities for economic partnerships between both countries.
The Director of the Centre for Research and Innovation, Dr Ngozi Akpala-Okoroafor, discussed prospects for accessing European Union funding through programmes such as Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe. She advocated for the formation of research consortia to strengthen institutional capacity and secure international partnerships.
In his closing remarks, Dr Anyakora called for strategic matchmaking between Nigerian institutions and Ukrainian manufacturers to facilitate technology transfer and improve market access. He also highlighted AUST’s recent investments in artificial intelligence infrastructure, positioning IT and AI as critical areas for future collaboration.
The visit concluded with a renewed commitment from both parties to pursue practical partnerships that will drive innovation, research development, and cross-cultural exchange between Nigeria and Ukraine.
In attendance were, Mr Ben Okonkwo;Bursar, AUST,Dr Anthony Anyakora;Head, ACSU, AUST,Dr Ngozi Akpala-Okoroafor;Director, Centre for Research and Innovation,Mr Davyd Hohilia;Delegate, Ukrainian Embassy in Nigeria,Mr Daniil Shevchuk;Delegate, Ukrainian Embassy in Nigeria,Mr Kingsley Ogwudu;Head, AUSTInspire,Mrs Onyebuchi Ekpolomo; Librarian, AUST,Mrs Gloria Ebere Ajaegbu; Head of Multilateral Affairs, AUST,Mr Obioha Atulomah; Head, Media/PR, AUST,Ms Okocha Chidinma Juliet;Administrative Assistant,Mr Dike Chibuzo;Administrative Assistant, Media/PR