Overview and History of National University of Science and Technology, Abuja

 
The National University of Science and Technology, Abuja (NUSTA) stands as a promising fresh entry in Nigeria’s higher education landscape—anchored in science, technology, engineering, and innovation. In an era defined by rapid digital transformation, global competition in science and engineering, and the growing imperative for home-grown research and applied technologies, NUSTA offers a distinctive proposition: more than simply providing degrees, it aims to embed practice, innovation, and entrepreneurship into its core identity. As students today seek not only academic credentials but also ready-to-apply skills, research exposure, industry linkages and global relevance, NUSTA’s mission aligns with that new paradigm. Located in Abuja, the nation’s capital, NUSTA is well positioned to benefit from proximity to federal agencies, technology hubs, research institutes and policy frameworks. For prospective students who wish to study engineering, computer science, cyber security, artificial intelligence, applied sciences or related fields in an environment oriented to real-world relevance and cutting-edge practice, this university presents strong potential. That said, as a newer institution, students and parents should also assess the current infrastructure, maturity of programmes and accreditation status. Still, joining at an early phase offers the opportunity to be part of shaping campus culture, research communities and institutional identity.

In this blog post, we’ll explore NUSTA in a humanised, professional and educational way—covering the official website, motto, founder, history, leadership, accreditation & recognition, academic structure & facilities, campus life and emerging alumni. My aim is to give you, whether you’re a student, educator, parent or stakeholder, a clear sense of what NUSTA currently offers and where it is headed.

##Official Website
The official website for NUSTA is https://nusta.edu.ng/On the site, you’ll find information about postgraduate programmes, the university’s vision and mission, contact details, admission updates, and news on partnerships and research. It is the primary portal for enquiries and gives a good first impression of the institution’s branding and priorities.

##Motto
NUSTA’s motto is “Scientia Usus et Progressus”, which translates roughly to “Knowledge, Practice and Development.”

This motto neatly captures the institution’s orientation: not just to accumulate knowledge, but to apply (practice) it, and thereby facilitate progress—whether technological, societal or economic. For students, it suggests an education that is less theoretical in isolation and more applied, connected to innovation, industry and transformation.

##Founder
The founder of NUSTA is the Federal Government of Nigeria, through its higher education policy of establishing new specialised universities of science and technology to boost capacity in STEM fields. 

Though NUSTA is relatively newly launched and still building many of its infrastructures and programmes, the federal origin means it has national-level backing, which can be a positive indicator of support, legitimacy and potential growth.

##History
The history of the National University of Science and Technology, Abuja, though still in its early stages, is one of deliberate establishment amidst Nigeria’s push to expand quality STEM education. According to its website, NUSTA was conceived to become “the cradle of techno-scientific innovation, entrepreneurship and human development.” 

The website also affirms the mantra: “We learn to practice and we practice what we teach.” 

NUSTA currently lists a number of postgraduate programmes already on offer—Artificial Intelligence & Robotics, Cyber Security Science, Communication & Wireless Technology, Food Science & Technology, amongst others. 

However, the site also notes that undergraduate admissions have not yet started and that no undergraduate candidates will be admitted until the 2025 session. 

This indicates that NUSTA is still in its foundational phase—building faculty, infrastructure, programmes and preparing for full scale operations.

Being in its start-up phase has both advantages and caveats: on the plus side, early students have the opportunity to shape the institution’s culture, research ambitions and campus identity. On the other hand, some facilities may still be under development, programme accreditation may not yet be fully matured, and the full range of student services may still be evolving. For anyone considering enrolling, it would therefore be wise to review specific departmental readiness, infrastructure status and accreditation pathways.

##Chancellor
As of the publicly available information, the university identifies Prof. Joseph Eberendu Ahaneku, FAS as its Vice-Chancellor (the substantive academic/administrative leader) rather than a separate Chancellor role. 

Brief Biography:

Prof. Joseph Eberendu Ahaneku holds a PhD from the University of Ibadan, and is a Chartered Biologist with membership of several professional bodies including the Society of Biology (UK), Federation of Science & Technology Associations of Nigeria (FSTAN) and others. 

He is a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Science (FAS), and has held leadership positions in the biological/clinical chemistry community in Nigeria (for example, in the Association of Clinical Chemists of Nigeria)

Under his stewardship at NUSTA, the institution is positioning itself for partnerships (for example with biotechnology companies) and research linkages. 

While the ceremonial Chancellor (if one is appointed) is not clearly identified in available sources, Prof. Ahaneku’s leadership as VC provides a credible academic-research anchor for the university.

##Accreditation and Recognition
For any university, accreditation and external recognition are critical. For NUSTA:

The website acknowledges that the university has postgraduate programmes already in operation. 

However, the institution clearly states that undergraduate admissions will begin with effect from 2025 and until then, prospective undergraduate candidates should await official announcements. 

As a newer institution, full accreditation of all programmes (especially undergraduate and professional ones) may still be in progress. While the text does not explicitly list NUC approval status for each programme, students should verify each programme’s accreditation with the National Universities Commission (NUC) and relevant professional regulatory bodies where applicable.

The federal origin and presence of approved postgraduate programmes offer positive signs, but prospective students should treat the institution as “emerging” and do specific checks on department-level readiness.


##Academic Structure and Facilities
NUSTA is structured with a heavy focus on science, engineering and applied technology and offers a range of facilities oriented to innovation and research. Some key academic structure and facilities include:

Postgraduate Programmes – The university lists a wide array of postgraduate degree offerings: Microbiology & Brewing Technology; Artificial Intelligence & Robotics; Building Technology; Cell Biology & Genetics; Chemical & Industrial Chemistry; Communication & Wireless Technology; Computer Engineering; Cyber Security Science; Energy Studies; Food Science & Technology; among others. 

Research & Innovation Orientation – The vision statement emphasises being a “cradle of techno-scientific innovation, entrepreneurship and human development.”

Laboratories and Applied Facilities – Though exact lab lists are not fully detailed, the offering of programs like AI & Robotics, Wireless Technology, Cyber Security suggests availability of labs, computing clusters, and research infrastructure. The site mentions partnerships with biotech firms (e.g., WONDFO Biotech) which implies linkages and infrastructure. 

Digital & ICT Resources – For programmes in computer engineering, cyber security and communication technologies, digital infrastructure is essential. The website signals readiness for advanced programmes that assume infrastructure capability. 

Applied Hands-on Learning – The motto “we learn to practice and we practice what we teach” indicates an educational model that emphasises hands-on, apprenticeship-oriented and practice-based learning. 

Linkages with Industry & Research Partners – For example, a delegation from China (WONDFO Biotech) is mentioned as exploring training partnerships with NUSTA. 

Campus and Physical Infrastructure – While specific campus size, hostel description and sports facilities are not exhaustively listed on the website, the university’s capital appropriations (listed on website) and programme scope suggest infrastructure development is actively underway. 

Hence, for prospective students in STEM fields, NUSTA offers a meaningful academic structure oriented to science and technology—but bear in mind that full maturity of infrastructure and undergraduate offerings may still be building.


##Campus Life and Facilities
Campus life at NUSTA is framed by a modern, research-oriented, technology-driven environment. Some features of campus life and facilities include:

Research Culture: Given its orientation to advanced programmes and innovation, students (especially postgraduate ones) can expect to engage in research, industry partnerships and applied projects rather than purely classroom-based learning.

Emerging Infrastructure: The university acknowledges capital appropriations (e.g., large sums earmarked for infrastructure and services) and is building up its campus facilities. 

Small or Pioneer Cohorts: As undergraduate admissions haven’t yet opened (per website), early students (especially postgraduates) are part of a smaller, more focused cohort—this can mean more personal attention and opportunity to shape student life.

Location Advantage: Situated in Abuja, the nation’s capital, students benefit from proximity to government agencies, science & technology ministries, research institutes, industry hubs and policy centres.

Student Services & Learning Environment: The website emphasises “practice” and “innovation,” suggesting a campus where projects, labs, industry visits and applied work matter. Prospective undergraduates should check for hostels, sports, student clubs and social amenities, as these may still be in development.

Opportunity to Pioneer: For students who join early, there’s an opportunity to shape campus culture, clubs, societies, research groups, and legacy. Being part of building an institution can be rewarding.

On the flip side, because the institution is still developing, students should confirm specifics of accommodation, hostel capacity, extracurricular life, sports facilities, and student social amenities. But for those aligned with the university’s STEM-innovation mission, the trade-off may be worth it.