NAN-H-114
Anniversary
By Martins Odeh
Abuja, Feb.20, 2017 (NAN) The African University of Science and Technology (AUST), a pan African ivory tower in Abuja, has graduated 332 masters and 22 PhD degree holders within its 10 years of existence.
The President of the institution, Prof. Kingston Nyamapfen, made this known in a pre-anniversary statement in Abuja on Monday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the university established in 2007, had lined up activities to mark the 10th year anniversary throughout the year.
“It is worthy of note that the graduated students and the 135 students presently pursuing courses in AUST were drawn from 19 countries in Africa.
“However, 19 out of 54 is not a good mark, so we are redoubling our efforts to bring in students from more African countries.
“This is especially so as it is also part of our mandate to ensure that at least 60 per cent of our enrollment is made up of students from outside this region.’’
The president said that plans were underway to introduce new programmes that responded to the technological needs of African and the job market.
“New programmes expected to start soon include 12-month Master’s degrees by coursework only, in Applied Statistics, Information Management, Mathematical Modelling and Public Policy,’’ he said.
Nyamapfene also said the institution had set out this period to inaugurate its 7 million US dollars state of the art Science Laboratory.
According to him, the facility will be used to provide solution to African’s technological deficit.
The president listed events to commemorate the occasion to include Documentary and Launching of AUST commemorative items fixed for Feb. 22.
NAN reports that Science and Technology Competition Group for Abuja Secondary Schools would held between May 22 and May 25 among others.
The university was established following the outcry of the African Heads of State with the support from Nelson Mandela Institution and the World Bank Institute. (NAN)
OMO/MO
==========Edited by Morayo Omolade