Abuja: The African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja, on Friday inducted its first Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) students in Leadership and Governance, and Policy and Strategic Studies.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the institution’s President, Prof. Azikiwe Onwualu, highlighted the significance of this occasion, stating that it was ‘more than the beginning of a new academic session’. He emphasized that the event marked a historic moment in the evolution of the university, as it not only welcomed students into doctoral programmes but also launched a new platform for scholarship aimed at shaping leadership, strengthening institutions, and contributing to national development and Africa’s transformation.
Prof. Onwualu acknowledged the university’s reputation for excellence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, while also recognizing the necessity of sound governance for scientific and technological advancements to achieve their full potential. He remarked that innovations require support from visionary leadership, sound governance, evidence-based public policy, and innovative business decisions. He stressed that nations are transformed not only by innovation but also by the quality of leadership that guides institutions and the policies that shape societies.
He further explained that the establishment of the doctoral programmes demonstrated a commitment to producing scholars whose research would extend beyond academic journals to influence governments, organizations, communities, and the private sector. Prof. Onwualu emphasized the university’s vision of developing graduates who not only generate knowledge but also apply it to solve complex societal challenges. He described AUST as aspiring to be a globally recognized research university where multidisciplinary scholarship addresses Africa’s most pressing challenges while contributing to global knowledge.
Prof. Onwualu congratulated the doctoral students, emphasizing that their PhD journey was not just an academic qualification but a commitment to lifelong inquiry, intellectual discipline, and service to humanity. He noted that as the first cohort, they were pioneers whose achievements would establish the standards for these courses for years to come. He highlighted the importance of their contributions as the foundation of this academic community and stressed the responsibility and honor it entailed.
He urged the students to embrace curiosity, resilience, integrity, and the courage to challenge established ideas in pursuit of better ones throughout their academic journey. Prof. Onwualu encouraged them to take full advantage of the faculty, research opportunities, and collaborative environment offered by the institution, advising them to build strong relationships with their supervisors, engage actively with colleagues, remain open to new perspectives, and let their research be driven by relevance, excellence, and impact.
The induction ceremony also featured an inaugural lecture by the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Oladimeji Bankole, on the theme ‘Strategic Leadership: My Personal Experience’.