Abuja -The African University of Science and Technology (AUST), on Saturday in Abuja Graduated 77 students of masters degrees.

They graduated in either computer science, material science, petroleum engineering,  pure and applied mathematics, or theoretical physics accordingly.

In her speech at the graduation ceremony, the Chairman, Board of Directors of the institution, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, urged the graduates to use their strength and acquired knowledge for the development of Africa.

“I urged you to do so with the understanding that the key to unlocking and harnessing the potential of Africa lies in your hand.

“Africa is staking off, in a world of uncertainty, Africa is devising some certainties,and your contributions to the continent will help make it a better place,’’  Okonjo-Iweala added.

She disclosed that only seven out of the 77 graduates were females, and more than 50 per cent were Nigerians.

She, however, tasked the university management to be more gender-balanced in their admission, as well as admitting more students from other continents.

Okonjo-Iweala, who is also the Minister of Finance, promised that AUST would continue to cherish enfranchisement of ideals and resources in its bid to evolve into a world-class university.

Earlier in his address,the Acting President of the University,  Prof.  Charles Chidume,said the institution had continued to make progress in the training of scientists for a full and meaningful life in the society.

Chidume said some of the graduates of the institution had been proving their worth across the globe, while some had been publishing their frontline research in international journals with high impacts factors.

He disclosed that the school on her inaugural graduating year, 2009, graduated 40 students, 42 in 2010, adding that the university’s first PHD students would graduate by Dec. 2013.

Gov. Babangida Aliyu of Niger, in his message, called on Nigerians, especially financial institutions to support private institutions in the country.

Aliyu said there was a need to encourage the establishment and development of private institutions in the country. (NAN)