Prof. A. P. Onwualu, FAS
Head of Advisory Board | President, African
University of Science and Technology, Abuja

Engr. Prof. Azikiwe Peter Onwualu is a distinguished Nigerian engineer, academic, and science policy leader. He earned First Class B.Eng. (1982) and M.Eng. (1986) degrees in Agricultural Engineering from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and a Ph.D. (1991) from Dalhousie University. He became Professor of Agricultural Engineering in 1999.
Prof. Onwualu has over 200 publications and 10 patents, with research interests spanning mechanization, raw materials processing, biomass valorization, and STI policy. He has held senior national roles, including Director-General of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council, and leadership positions at African University of Science and Technology, where he currently serves as President (Vice-Chancellor). He is a Fellow of 12 professional bodies and a recipient of numerous national and international awards.
Contact: [email protected]

Dr. Chukwuemeka Uwanaka
Centre Director | Lecturer | Trade &
Investment Policy Expert | Management &
Research Professional

Dr. Chukwuemeka Uwanaka is a Lecturer in the Department of Public Policy at the African University of Science and Technology, Abuja (AUST), and was a former head of the university's Business Administration department. He has been the Coordinator for AUST's 'The Africa Policy Discourse', which is a platform that has hosted relevant industry-academia policy stakeholders including Microsoft, Nigeria Data Protection Commission and National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion. 

He has attended trade policy and trade facilitation trainings with African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and other trade policy organizations. His keen interest in promoting intra-Africa and external trade was enhanced when he supported trade policy and facilitation as a DFID/FCDO consultant with Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment. An observer of trade, economic and technology issues, he researches and writes periodic opinion pieces that support multilateral trade across Africa.

Prof. Mrs. Ngozi Egbuna
Advisory Board Member | Ph.D. Agricultural
Extension and Rural Development University
of Agriculture, Abeokuta.

Prof. Ngozi Egbuna is a distinguished Professor
of International Banking, Trade, and Finance,
and Nigeria’s first-ever World Trade
Organization (WTO) Chairman. An astute
economist, with over three decades of strategic
leadership in central banking, economic
research, monetary policy formulation, and
financial integration across the West African
sub-region.
Served as Director General of the West African
Monetary Institute (WAMI) on secondment
from the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Dr. Olanrewaju Adebayo

Mrs Afolayan Victoria Ebunutale, B.Sc in Banking and
Finance, Kogi State University, Anyigba |
M.Sc in Public Policy, AUST

Known for professionalism, integrity, and
commitment to organisational success. With
several years of experience in the financial
sector before joining the Department of Public
Policy and Public Administration, AUST.
Victoria is contributing to the AUST
institution’s strategic goals in unique ways
which complies with institutional policies and
standards.
Member of the Nigeria Institute of Management
(Chartered). Trained in Change Management,
Corporate Culture, Project Management,
Performance and Appraisal, Leading with
Emotional Intelligence, Self-Management and
Delegation, Decision Making with Full Business
Responsibility, Financial Analysis and Business
Planning, Entrepreneurship and Leadership,
with certifications from Philips Consult, BA
Consult and Strategy House. Her dedication to
excellence and re-training makes her an asset to
her current and any organisation.

Dr. Akpala-Okoroafor Ngozi | P.hD Accountancy,
University of Nigeria | MBA Management

Associate Professor at the African University of
Science and Technology. Academic and public
financial management specialist with expertise
in Environmental Accounting, Green Budgeting,
Circular Economy, and Sustainable
Development. combines technical knowledge
and leadership skills to drive policy formulation,
project management, and team-led sustainable
initiatives.
With extensive experience in public sector
financial management and governance reform,
Dr. Akpala-Okoroafor facilitates citizen
engagement in budgeting and revenue
mobilization. Currently, as Head of the Research
and Grants Unit and Coordinator of
Sustainability Projects at the Centre for Climate
Change Adaptation and Mitigation Studies, she
works with diverse stakeholders to co-create
solutions for Africa’s sustainability challenges

Dawodu Abimbola | Research / Administrative
Assistance |

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