The Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Vertex Labs, a Doha based technology and artificial intelligence company, to establish an Institute of Applied Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Computing at a new campus in Enugu.
The agreement, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding, will support the development of academic programmes, research initiatives, innovation projects and advanced technology infrastructure aimed at positioning ESUT as a leading centre for artificial intelligence education and talent development in Nigeria.
Speaking on the partnership, ESUT Vice Chancellor, Professor Aloysius Michael Okolie, described the agreement as a significant milestone in the university’s drive to become a hub for cutting edge technology, innovation and future focused learning. He noted that the institution was committed to equipping students with skills that would enhance employability and prepare them for emerging opportunities in the global digital economy.
The Director of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Dr. Egwuagu Onyekachi, disclosed that ESUT emerged as the South East Centre of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Cyber Security following a rigorous merit based assessment process. According to him, the university’s technical capacity, infrastructure and readiness for implementation played key roles in its selection.
Also speaking, the Director of Innovation at Vertex Labs, Chekwube Eneje, said artificial intelligence would be integrated into the teaching of disciplines including medicine, law, business, engineering and journalism at the proposed institute. He added that the initiative would create a multidisciplinary learning environment capable of producing globally competitive graduates.
As part of efforts to strengthen the project, the ESUT delegation visited Qatar University and Meeza Data Centre, where discussions focused on research collaboration, innovation, digital infrastructure and capacity development. Both institutions expressed readiness to support the university’s ambition of building a world class ecosystem for artificial intelligence, advanced computing and technology driven education.
The partnership is expected to accelerate ESUT’s transformation into a leading centre of excellence for artificial intelligence, innovation and digital research, while contributing to the broader technological and economic development agenda of Enugu State and Nigeria.