A²MEND Delegation Visits AUST to Strengthen Pan-African Collaboration
Abuja, Nigeria – June 23, 2025 – In a remarkable demonstration of Pan-African diversity, the Centre for Pan-African and Peace Studies (CePAPS) of the African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja welcomed a distinguished delegation from the African American Male Education Network and Development (A²MEND) on Monday, June 23, 2025.
The high-level engagement, held at Zenith Hall, signified a major stride towards deepening trans-atlantic academic co-operation and development.
A²MEND, which comprises community college faculty and administrators across the United States, is renowned for its advocacy of institutional change and its dedicated support for African American male students within the U.S. community college system.
In his opening remarks, Professor Chudi Uwazurike, Director of CePAPS, underscored the strategic importance of such partnerships in advancing peace-building and sustainable development across the African continent and its diaspora.
Welcoming the visiting team from the United States of America, Professor Peter Azikiwe Onwualu, FAS, President of AUST, emphasized the shared vision and values between the two institutions.
“A collaboration between us and your organization is a collaboration between brothers” he stated.
Prog. Onwualu added “We began as a postgraduate institution, with over 80% of our students coming from across Africa. Despite setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, our commitment remains—to build spaces like Austinspire, our innovation hub, where students can turn ideas into impact.
It is our belief in AUST that this visit will open the door to stronger, lasting partnerships with our brothers in California.”
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Herbert English, expressed his heart-felt appreciation for the university’s hospitality and vision.
He noted that A²MEND not only provides associate degrees and scholarships but also ensures access to education—often free of charge—to deserving communities. “We are deeply honored by your welcome,” he enthused.
After the reception, the delegation embarked on a guided tour of AUST’s various schools, laboratories, departments, and research centers.
The event attracted the presence of Deans, Heads of Departments, and Directors of Centres, further highlighting the university’s institutional commitment to fostering international academic networks.
It also renewed pledges of collaboration, and a significant milestone in global Pan-African cooperation as this visit and many more reinforce AUST’s mission to connect education with innovation, peacebuilding, and sustainable development across borders.