“To build a viable and knowledgeable man power in the built and road sectors, the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute is the best agency to run to for partnership”. This was stated by the President of African University of Science and Technology, Prof. Azikiwe Peter Onwualu when he led a team of staff of the University on a courtesy visit to NBRRI’s Head Office in Abuja on Thursday 25th November, 2021.
Speaking at the event, the President of AUST, Prof. Azikiwe Peter Onwualu, appreciated the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of NBRRI, Engr. Prof. Samson Duna for maintaining the already established relationship between the two institutions.
In his briefing, Prof. Azikiwe explained the origin of AUST which he stated was founded in 2007 under former President Olusegun Obasanjo with the vision of producing viable engineering post-graduate students in Africa who can stand the test of time and be great force in the engineering environment.
Having achieved a recommendable foot in producing renowned post-graduate students from Masters and PhD classes, AUST has succeeded after much struggle in seeking permission from National University Commission (NUC) to start the undergraduate programmes with some courses on engineering and mainly civil engineering. It was in this light that the management of AUST is seeking for collaboration between the university and NBRRI which will cement the existing relationship and to officially map out plans on signing a MoU in that regard as this will help the university and NBRRI to dwell more on infrastructural programs that will move research from theory to practical products that can be used in the African construction industry and foster innovation. He concluded with a stronger interest offer in areas of the use of NBRRI’s laboratories for training of the undergraduate students of the university and an open check of offering discount fees to any NBRRI’s staff who wishes to go for his/her post-graduate studies in AUST and those who want to go for short term courses; and a collaboration between the institute and the university will be beneficial to both parties.
The DG/CEO, Prof. Samson Duna appreciated the President of AUST for the timely visit as he expressed his excitement towards the collaboration. He congratulated the President of AUST for his continuous contributions and support to the construction industry and he welcomed the idea of the MoU.
Prof. Samson Duna, being a man of action immediately set up a committee from both institutions to look into the MoU and present a report between two weeks.
