African University of Science and Technology

What African University of Science and Technology does

African University of Science and Technology (AUST) is a private, pan-African, co-educational research university established in 2007 and headquartered in Abuja, Nigeria. It operates across five schools — Computing and Information Technology, Science and Science Education, Engineering, Administration/Business/Management Sciences, and Foundation and Remedial Studies — offering 8 undergraduate programs, 32 postgraduate programs (PGD, MSc, PhD), foundation/remedial pathways (NABTEB, JUPEB), and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) short courses. The university sustains an on-campus student body of 100+ students from multiple nationalities and has financed nearly 400 master's and PhD graduates, approximately 35% of whom are women, with full STEM scholarships. The institution is anchored by the African Development Bank through the Nelson Mandela Institutes – African Institutions of Science and Technology Project and supported by bilateral relationships with India's IIT/IIS systems and South Africa's AIMS Mathematical Institute.

AUST's technology and research infrastructure comprises eight specialized centres: ACMED (mineral exploration and development), PAMI (materials science), C3AMS (climate change adaptation and mitigation), CePAPS (pan-African and peace studies), CUTS (urban transportation), CADA (Afrocentric design advancement), ACTP (trade policy), and CPBL (project-based learning), plus the newly formed AEDIC (esports and digital innovation) and the AUSTInspire ecosystem. AUSTInspire integrates a CPD department (courses with 50%+ industrial applications), an Innovation and Entrepreneurship Hub, and the AUSTInspire Incubation Centre (AIC), launched February 22, 2023, in partnership with CcHub to translate research into commercial products. Notable in-house research outputs include work on bio-based basalt fibre reinforced polymer composites for automotive applications, breast cancer nanotechnology treatment, sustainable building materials, and renewable energy.

AUST generates revenue through a hybrid model: tuition and academic program fees (subscription/recurring), CPD short courses (professional services), foundation and remedial program fees, and research grants/managed-services funding primarily from multilateral institutions such as the African Development Bank and NASENI. Go-to-market is direct-to-consumer via the online admissions portal and on-campus delivery in Abuja, with a multi-channel marketing footprint that includes a media center with 264+ articles, the AfricaX Summit, Africa Science Week, innovation hackathons, and a trade fair. Customer segments span postgraduate/doctoral students (primary), undergraduate students (primary, since 2022), secondary-school students reached via STEM outreach, and working professionals served by CPD.

Name

African University of Science and Technology

Legal name

African University of Science and Technology

Website

https://aust.edu.ng

Company type

Private

Founded year

2007

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

African University of Science and Technology (AUST) is a private, pan-African research university in Abuja, Nigeria, established in 2007. It offers undergraduate, postgraduate (PGD, MSc, PhD), and CPD programs across science, engineering, technology, and management, alongside eight specialized research centres and the AUSTInspire innovation and incubation hub.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Higher Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

STEM-Focused Research Universities (Engineering & Applied Sciences) (EDAHABAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Technical Universities with Entrepreneurship & Incubation Focus (EDAHAEAH), Engineering & Technology Institutes (Comprehensive) (EDAHAEAA)

Keywords

• Higher education services
• STEM university programs
• Research university degrees
• Continuing professional development
• Innovation incubation services

Headquarters

HQ city

Garki

HQ country

Nigeria

HQ region

Africa

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Others, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Tuition and Academic Programs: Revenue generated from undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional development course fees. Programs include PGD, MSc, PhD degrees, and continuing professional development short courses at AUSTInspire.
2. Continuing Professional Development (CPD): Professional development courses offered under AUSTInspire, targeting government establishments, private organizations, and individuals with industrial applications. Courses include over 50% industrial applications.
3. Foundation and Remedial Programs: Revenue from NABTEB O'Level, NABTEB A Level, JUPEB, and remedial programs offered through the School of Foundation and Remedial Studies.
4. Research Grants and Partnerships: Funding from African Development Bank through Nelson Mandela Institutes project, NASENI grants, and other international research funding sources supporting PhD scholars and research initiatives.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

African University of Science and Technology is a private research university that sells undergraduate degrees, postgraduate degrees (PGD, MSc, PhD), foundation/remedial programs (NABTEB, JUPEB), and continuing professional development short courses. It also operates the AUSTInspire Incubation Centre as a business incubation service. The university offers programs across science, engineering, technology, and management disciplines from its main campus in Abuja.

Product overview

African University of Science and Technology (AUST) is a private, pan-African, co-educational, research university in Abuja, Nigeria, established in 2007. Its portfolio consists of a core academic product comprising undergraduate and postgraduate (PGD, MSc, PhD) degree programs across science, engineering, technology, and management sciences, supported by an innovative project-based curriculum. These academic programs are complemented by the AUSTInspire ecosystem, which includes a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) department offering short courses, an Innovation and Entrepreneurship Hub, and an Incubation Centre (AIC) — collectively designed to translate academic research into commercial products and entrepreneurship. AUST further operates a network of specialized research centres including the African Centre for Mineral Exploration and Development (ACMED), the Pan African Materials Institute (PAMI), the Centre for Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Studies (C3AMS), the Centre for Pan African and Peace Studies (CePAPS), the Centre for Urban Transportation Studies (CUTS), and the Centre for Afrocentric Design Advancement (CADA), alongside a scholarly journal, library services, and a student information system. The School of Foundation and Remedial Studies (SFRS) provides preparatory programs including JUPEB for alternative admission pathways.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Postgraduate Programs (PGD, MSc, PhD) Postgraduate Diploma, Taught Masters, MSc, and PhD degree programs offered across science, engineering, technology, and management disciplines. Programs span departments including Computer Science, Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Petroleum and Energy Resources Engineering, Theoretical and Applied Physics, and Business Administration. Available in 32 graduate programs to postgraduate and doctoral students.
• Undergraduate Degree Programs Eight undergraduate programs in science, engineering, and management sciences, including Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Accounting, and Business Administration. Curriculum features an innovative project-based approach combining theory and practice.
• Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Short Courses Short courses under AUSTInspire's CPD department targeting government establishments, private organizations, and individuals seeking to bridge the gap between classroom learning and industrial application. Courses include content creation, social media management, AI video automation, project management, waste management technology, and solar power system design and maintenance, with over 50% industrial applications.
• Foundation and Remedial Studies Programs Preparatory programs offered through the School of Foundation and Remedial Studies, including NABTEB O'Level (6 months), NABTEB A Level (9 months), JUPEB (Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board), and remedial programs providing alternative admission pathways into AUST's undergraduate degree programs.
• AUSTInspire Incubation Centre (AIC) Business incubation services for students, innovators, and startups supported by the African Development Bank's Nelson Mandela Institutes project. The hub is equipped in partnership with CcHub to incubate innovators and translate scientific research into commercial products and entrepreneurship opportunities.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 300 secondary-school students reached through STEM awareness campaigns and coding camps in Nigeria
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered secondary, minor and core.

• BTH (Blekinge Technical University)secondaryStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 June 2026AUST and BTH strengthen global strategic ties through cooperation in graduate transnational education, employability, and exchanges.
• CECsecondaryStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 June 2026Partnership on strategic graduate transnational education, employability, and exchanges between AUST and CEC.
• Greenfield ChamberminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 June 2026AUST delegation strengthened ties with Greenfield Chamber ahead of AfricaX Summit, exploring trade and business development opportunities.
• Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 June 2026AUST and SHESTCO strengthening partnership on research, innovation, and technology development. Discussions covered joint research initiatives, staff and student exchange programs, capacity development, innovation and entrepreneurship, technology commercialization, and access to specialized research facilities. DG Hon. Engr. Magaji Da'u Aliyu led delegation.
• Julius Berger Nigeria PlcsecondaryStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 May 2026Strategic partnership discussions on strengthening technical and vocational skills development, workforce upskilling, and industry-focused training programs. Engagement held at university to explore collaboration.
• Nigeria Institute of Advanced Study (NIAS)secondaryStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 May 2026AUST and NIAS strengthening partnership on agro-industrialisation and local manufacturing. President Prof. Onwualu reaffirmed commitment to technological innovation, agricultural development, and local manufacturing.
• Science, Technology and Innovation Department of FCT (STI-FCT)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 May 2026Strategic collaboration on STEM education, research commercialisation, and industrial development. MoU outlines cooperation areas including promoting emerging technologies, building digital capacity for civil servants and students, supporting STI-FCT in research and policy development.
• African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 May 2026AIMS partnered with AUST to host Africa Science Week 2026 at RMRDC Hall, Abuja. AIMS delivers institutional presentations on strengthening mathematical sciences education across Africa, with presence in five African countries and thousands of graduates trained in AI, epidemiology, and machine learning.
• European University of Nigeria (EUN)secondaryStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 April 2026AUST delegation led by Mrs Nsima Joseph visited EUN Vice-Chancellor to explore institutional collaboration. Discussions focused on student-centered programs, joint events, research, and innovation through Africa Hub, Science Group Hub, and Technology Hub platforms.
• Nigerian Computer Society (NCS)secondaryStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 April 2026Student sensitisation programme strengthening industry-academic linkages. NCS team lead Mayowa Ajiboye outlined training mandate and membership categories. Plans for national conference in Jos and certifications in AI through workshops and training initiatives.
• Ukrainian EmbassysecondaryStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 April 2026Delegates from Ukrainian Embassy visited AUST to explore collaboration in research, innovation, and industry-focused development. Dr Anthony Anyakora represented AUST.
• Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 April 2026Strategic meeting to revive national scholarly journal. AUST nominated Prof Onwualu as Editor-in-Chief. Partnership aims to strengthen Nigeria's research visibility and scholarly publishing.
• UDARA Project / NSKAisecondaryStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 April 2026AUST joined continent-wide AI learning initiative targeting Guinness World Record for largest online AI class. Project features daily online sessions, international project teams, and hackathon culminating June 30, 2026.
• CcHub (Core Creation Hub)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 February 2023CcHub partnered with AfDB to equip the AUSTInspire Incubation Centre (AIC). Jude Adejuwon, Practice Lead of CcHub, represented CEO/Co-founder Bosun Tijani at the launch. The center was equipped to incubate innovators advancing their research works.
• Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)secondaryStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 December 2022Partnership on Preventive Anti-Corruption Education Project. AUST requested EFCC to nominate staff as member of university's Industry Advisory Board. EFCC team decorated AUST management as Ambassadors on Anti-Corruption Education Project.
• Regional Scholarship Innovation Fund/PASET (RSIF/PASET)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 October 2022AUST is one of 3 African Host Universities (AHUs) in Nigeria under RSIF/PASET. Program sponsors PhD scholars with regional coordinating unit at icipe, Nairobi, Kenya. Started in 2018 with 246 PhD scholars in 15 AHUs across Africa.
• Federal Ministry of Science and Technology (FMST)secondaryStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 October 2022Partnership between AUST and FMST on climate change and related issues. Minister Adeleke Mamora committed to partnering in climate change, green housing project, and other initiatives impacting Nigerian populace.
• Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA)secondaryStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 July 2022AUST and NIHSA collaborate on ground and surface water resources research and management. NIHSA will assist in establishing weather monitoring station at university. AUST offered discount on CPD courses for NIHSA staff after MoU signing.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Regional players

• Pan-Atlantic University: Private Nigerian university with strong business and management programs. Comparable to AUST as a private Nigerian competitor targeting similar fee-paying students, with overlapping program areas (Business Administration, postgraduate professional development).
• Strathmore University: Private Kenyan university with strong STEM, business, and professional development programs. Comparable to AUST in private East/West-African positioning, professional-development offerings (CPD), and emphasis on industry-linked project-based learning.
• Nile University of Nigeria: Private Nigerian university in Abuja offering undergraduate and postgraduate STEM and business programs. Closest geographic competitor to AUST in the Abuja private university market, with overlapping engineering, computing, and management program offerings.

Broad incumbents

• University of Lagos (UNILAG): Large federal Nigerian research university with broad STEM and management programs. Comparable to AUST in STEM research output and Nigerian postgraduate market, serving as the established public-sector incumbent AUST competes with for students and faculty.
• Covenant University: Larger, established private Nigerian faith-based university with strong STEM and management programs. Comparable to AUST in private Nigerian higher-education positioning and STEM emphasis, with a broader scale and longer operating history that AUST competes against for top students.
• Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST): Large public research university in Ghana with STEM focus and pan-African student body. Comparable to AUST in mission and program mix (engineering, materials science, business), serving as the public-sector benchmark for STEM training in West Africa.

Direct peers

• Carnegie Mellon University Africa: US-affiliated STEM graduate university in Kigali, Rwanda serving pan-African students. Comparable to AUST in postgraduate STEM focus, host-country partnership model, and donor/multilateral backing for women-in-STEM scholarships and innovation activities.
• African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS): Pan-African, postgraduate STEM-focused institution with presence in multiple African countries. Directly comparable to AUST in mission (African STEM talent), partner ecosystem (RSIF/PASET-style donor backing), and pan-African recruitment model; the two institutions have co-hosted Africa Science Week.
• Pan African University (African Union): Pan-African university network of the African Union with postgraduate STEM institutes across Africa. Directly comparable to AUST in postgraduate STEM model, pan-African recruitment, and donor-funded scholarship programs (RSIF/PASET-style).
• Ashesi University: Private, pan-African-flavored liberal arts and STEM university in Ghana. Comparable to AUST in being a private, Africa-focused residential university with strong industry links, scholarship-driven model, and emphasis on entrepreneurship; similar tuition-tier and donor-funded ethos.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/watch?v=pobsOj4fQN4
• Xx.com/abuja_aust

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Subsidiaries8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about African University of Science and Technology