By Emmanuel Elebeke

The African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja, has matriculated 150 students across eight academic programmes, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s growth and commitment to innovation-driven education.

Speaking at the matriculation ceremony, the President of the university, Prof. Peter Azikiwe Onwualu, said AUST is strengthening partnerships and policies aimed at producing industry-ready graduates while maintaining a safe and disciplined campus environment.

Prof. Onwualu disclosed that the university recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) to collaborate on innovation hub development, student training, and industrial attachments. He added that AUST has registered 14 patents and that the new MoU with NASENI will enable students to access and utilize innovation hubs.

On campus security, the AUST President emphasized the institution’s zero-tolerance policy toward cultism and substance abuse. He said preventive strategies include regular drug testing, thorough investigations, sporadic security checks, and intelligence gathering through student informants to ensure a safe learning environment.

Highlighting the university’s academic standards, Prof. Onwualu explained that AUST operates a strict grading system in which an ‘A’ grade is awarded only to students who score 95 per cent and above. He said students are assessed weekly through continuous assessments, projects, class participation, and attendance, with greater emphasis placed on learning outcomes rather than examinations alone.

The university’s innovation hub, he added, provides students with hands-on industry experience, opportunities to incubate business ideas, and support to develop startups, all aimed at equipping graduates with relevant industry skills.

Charging the newly matriculated students, Prof. Onwualu urged them to prioritize academic excellence, work hard to meet the university’s high standards, and make effective use of available resources, particularly the library, which he described as central to scientific and scholarly excellence.

Also speaking at the event, the Dean of Engineering and Acting Chairman of the Senate Ceremonial Committee, Dr. Vitalis Anye, said the university’s growing visibility and project-based, innovative approach to learning are attracting more students. He noted that the intake of 150 students represents a notable increase, reflecting the success of ongoing efforts to promote AUST’s programmes and emphasize innovation as a core strength of the institution.

One of the matriculated students, Ann Okafor of the Accounting Department, said she chose AUST to make a meaningful impact on society through financial and economic development. Her father, Mr. Anayo Okafor, expressed pride in his daughter’s achievement, describing AUST as a stepping stone that will support her growth and future contributions to society.