The African Development Bank Group has supported the African University of Science and Technology to strengthen advanced science, technology, engineering and mathematics education and research in Nigeria.

The AfDB said this in a statement on its website. The support comes through the Nelson Mandela Institute for African Institutions of Science and Technology project, implemented in two phases from 2010 to 2022, enhancing postgraduate training and research ecosystems across Africa.

AUST is one of three centres of excellence under the initiative, alongside the International Institute for Water and Environmental Engineering and NM-AIST. According to the statement, the institution plays a strategic role in expanding opportunities for women in science.

It said this was supported by the bank’s Women in Science and Engineering initiative, which promoted access, leadership, and visibility.

The statement said WiSE provided scholarships, mentorship, and research support to help women scholars pursue advanced studies and contribute to scientific innovation across Africa.

It said a beneficiary, Aisha Aminu, a mathematician specialising in nonlinear operator theory, completed her PhD at AUST with support from the bank group, gaining mentorship and research resources.

“Another alumna, Dr Stella Nwachukwu‑Dozie, now Principal Laboratory Scientist at the National Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Advanced Laboratory, researches biosynthesised gold nanoparticles for targeted breast cancer treatment.

“The project-backed outreach also targets secondary schools, including a 2021 STEM campaign reaching 310 students and 279 girls, and coding camps encouraging technology careers among teenage girls.

“AUST has produced 398 MSc and PhD graduates under the project, with women accounting for about 35 per cent, supported by 149 visiting faculty missions, laboratory upgrades, and improved ICT resources,” it said.

The statement said the scholarships included 115 MSc and 90 PhD awards for students across Africa.

It further said that the AUSTInspire hub had supported around 15 startups linking research and entrepreneurship.

“Research at AUST includes cancer-care collaboration with National Hospital Abuja, oil-spill remediation in the Niger Delta, and sustainable construction materials and energy systems development.

“The initiative demonstrates the bank group’s commitment to building African scientific leadership, advancing women in STEM, and fostering inclusive growth and resilience across the continent,” it said.

(NAN)