Abuja is gearing up for a groundbreaking gathering this October as scientists, innovators, policymakers, and media leaders converge to rewrite Nigeria’s story in science and technology.
From October 21–23, 2025, the African University of Science and Technology (AUST) in Abuja will host the maiden National Conference on Communicating Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) — a three-day event designed to bridge the gap between research and real-world impact.
Dr. Bosco Okolo-Obi, chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, said the conference aims to make science more accessible, understandable, and actionable, ensuring that research doesn’t just end in journals but translates into policies, products, and public benefits.
“For the first time, we’re bringing researchers, industry leaders, policymakers, the media, educators, and the public under one roof,” Okolo-Obi explained. “This is about breaking barriers of technical language, training a new generation of science communicators, and ensuring innovation drives real national development.”
The event aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes economic diversification, innovation-driven growth, and inclusive governance.
AUST President, Professor Azikiwe Peter Onwualu, expressed pride in hosting the historic event, noting that the university has already secured 10 patents in the last year and continues to push innovation through its hub.
Stakeholders also highlighted the cultural shift required to embed science and technology into Nigeria’s growth story. Olusegun Ayeoyenikan, Director of Information at NASENI and member of the organizing committee, stressed that “Nigeria must embrace a culture of science and innovation if it truly wants industrial development.”
The conference will be held annually, with the media expected to play a crucial role in sustaining the momentum, ensuring STI becomes central to Nigeria’s journey toward sustainability, self-reliance, and global competitiveness.
