The President of the African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Prof. Azikiwe Onwualu, has urged newly admitted students to commit themselves to academic excellence, innovation, and moral integrity as they embark on their educational journey.
Speaking during the 2025 matriculation ceremony in Abuja, Prof. Onwualu emphasized that the event was not just to celebrate the students’ formal entry into the institution but to ignite a transformative journey that would shape their minds, purpose, and contributions to the world.
“We expect you to be intellectually curious, morally upright, and socially responsible,” he said. “The university’s pedagogy is anchored on complementary approaches to learning: Project-Based Learning, Critical Thinking, Artificial Intelligence, Digital and other Emerging Technologies.”
Prof. Onwualu urged students to embrace the challenge of developing and using software applications to solve human problems within their fields. He highlighted AUST’s strong record since its establishment in 2007, noting that it had produced graduates from over 20 African countries, boasting a 100 percent employment rate.
“We achieved this by creating a curriculum that, in addition to academic excellence, emphasizes skills development, entrepreneurship, and technology,” he added. “By the time our students graduate, they are equipped either to be employers of labour, employees, or creators of innovative solutions.”
He also pointed to the university’s Innovation Hub, which trains students in problem-solving, business plan development, startup creation, and financial management. Furthermore, AUST has invested heavily in providing an environment conducive to mastering Artificial Intelligence and other technologies linked to the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
“Above all, the university aspires to mold students into good citizens of Nigeria and the continent through moral and ethical training. They should think critically, explore boldly, and contribute meaningfully to society,” Onwualu stressed.
In his remarks, Dr. Usman Abdulmalik, Acting Dean of the School of Science and Science Education and Chairman of the Senate Ceremonial Committee, advised the new students to focus on their academic pursuits and shun distractions such as cultism, peer pressure, and other social vices.
Similarly, Dr. Vitalis Anye, Acting Dean of the School of Engineering and an alumnus of AUST, reiterated the university’s commitment to training African engineers and scientists capable of providing indigenous solutions to the continent’s challenges.
Anye, who also leads the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, revealed exciting research projects being undertaken by AUST students, including advancements in cancer diagnosis and treatment using nanoparticles, mineral processing innovations, and developments in water treatment and affordable housing.
“Our work on cancer has successfully passed the animal trial stage, and we are looking towards human trials, with PhD students deeply involved,” he said.
The event served as a rallying call for the matriculating students to uphold the rich legacy of excellence, innovation, and service that AUST has built over the years.
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