In a relaxed and rather friendly atmosphere, the Commissioner prompted an open dialogue by giving the floor directly to students.

One of the concerns raised was related to the scholarship’s binding provision of two-year work in Africa at the end of the curricula. Students shared their concerns on this issue, on the ground that the continent allegedly does not provide enough job opportunities. They therefore asked what AU could do to ensure PAU students find jobs in order to remain on the continent.

In response, the Commissioner acknowledged the legitimacy of the concern. However, he expressed the wish to see students project themselves as job creators rather than job seekers, giving the example of some of their senior PAU graduates who have successfully established their own businesses, especially since PAU programmes include preparation for entrepreneurship and innovation. "This will make you agents of development for the continent, because no one will develop the continent instead of its own children," he said, making the link with the Aspirations of African Union’s agenda 2063.

Following the exchange with students, the Commissioner visited laboratories used by PAUSTI and asked about the research work undertaken by students using the equipment.

 The said equipment was acquired with the financial assistance of the African Development Bank (AfDB), key partner of PAU. Other equipment were acquired with the support of the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The Commissioner saw for himself the cutting-edge equipment used at PAUSTI for research work in various specialties such as molecular biology, mechatronics, civil engineering, electrical engineering.

Some students made presentations on the way they use the said equipment for their research. Among them was Ifeoluwa D. Gbala,  PAUSTI student who presented her research work on “Recombinant antimicrobial Peptides Derives from Spinachand Actinomyces sp.Exhibit Braod Spectrum Antimicrobial activity against Multi-Drug Resistant Pathogens”. She explained the whole process of her research and described the gist of their results. She expressed gratitude to PAU for having had this opportunity.

Thierno Amadou Mouctar, telecommunication engineer and web developer from Guinea, who joined PAUSTI in 2020, also presented a demonstration to the AU delegation in the electrical engineering laboratory.

The Commissioner commended the great innovative spirit of students and encouraged them to keep the momentum in order to provide African solutions to African challenges.

For further information please contact:

1. Mrs. Esther Azaa Tankou | Head of Information Division | Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission | Mobile: +251911361185 | E-mail: yamboue@africa-union.org
2. Ms. Claudette Chancelle BILAMPASSI MOUTSATSI| ESTI Department, African Union Commission | Tel: +251 115 517 700 | E-mail:BilampassiC@africa-union.org