The Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Doha-based technology company Vertex Labs to establish an Institute of Applied Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Computing in Enugu State.
The agreement covers the development and operation of the institute at a new campus and follows months of consultations between both parties. ESUT Vice-Chancellor, Aloysius-Michael Okolie, said the university had finalized its position on the partnership and expressed confidence in the project.
The development comes as ESUT strengthens its role in artificial intelligence and technology education after emerging as the South-East host institution for the Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Cyber Security, with intervention from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund.
According to the university, ESUT was selected following a merit-based assessment conducted by TETFund.
The institution’s history as one of Nigeria’s earliest state-owned universities, its focus on science and technology, and its existing infrastructure were among the factors that influenced the decision.
A TETFund assessment committee visited the university twice in 2025. The committee inspected facilities, including the Digital Bridge Institute, which is expected to host the Centre of Excellence.
Following the evaluation, the committee recommended ESUT as the South-East host institution.
Other universities selected for the programme include Gombe State University and the Federal University of Lokoja. The Nigerian Defence Academy, University of Calabar, and Lagos State University.
The Director of Innovation at Vertex Labs, Chekwube Eneje, said artificial intelligence would be integrated into the school system. AI will be used to teach various disciplines at the planned institute. Courses considered include medicine, law, engineering, business, journalism, and health-related courses.
Active Partnership Between ESUT and Qatar University
As part of efforts to strengthen the project, the ESUT delegation visited Qatar University. They also visited the Meeza Data Centre during a working trip to Qatar.
At Qatar University, discussions focused on research collaboration. The support for ESUT’s plans to build a world-class artificial intelligence and innovation centre also took centre stage.
The university’s Vice President for Research and Innovation, Ayman Arbid, commented on the issue. He expressed the institution’s readiness to support the initiative and noted the growing global demand for highly skilled AI professionals.
The ESUT Vice-Chancellor said the university aims to improve graduate employability. This will be done by equipping students with the skills needed for emerging technologies and future job markets.
