Pan African University Matriculates 81 Postgraduate Students from AU Member States

The Pan-African University Institute of Life and Earth Sciences (PAULESI) on Thursday matriculated 81 new postgraduate students from across the five African Union regions.

The institute, hosted by the University of Ibadan, is one of five PAU institutes tasked with delivering specialised postgraduate education to address the continent’s most pressing challenges.

Established by the African Union’s Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Division, the Pan-African University was conceived as a flagship initiative to train a new generation of African scholars.

It is also focused on scholars whose research will directly support AU Agenda 2063, tagged “The Africa We Want”, as well as the Continental Education Strategy for Africa and the Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa.

Speaking at the 2026 matriculation ceremony, the Vice Rector of PAULESI, Prof. Bolanle Akeredolu-Ale, described the admission as an “extraordinary milestone” for the students, the institution, and the continent.

She said that the admissions reaffirmed the AU’s objective of building a network of centres of excellence to drive science, technology and innovation on the continent.

She noted that the new cohort was admitted exclusively into master’s degree programmes after a competitive selection process that drew “countless qualified applicants across the continent.”

The Vice Rector added that the 81 scholars represent 30 sovereign African nations and reflect a balanced gender distribution.

According to her, the diversity of the class underscores PAULESI’s identity as a truly Pan-African institution built on collaborative problem-solving and cross-border academic exchange.

Akeredolu-Ale charged the matriculants, noting that they have been entrusted with helping the AU realise its continental vision through actionable research that addresses critical scientific and socio-economic challenges.

“This academic programme is a vibrant crossroads where brilliant minds meet, cross-pollinate ideas and unite around a shared vision for the continent,” she said.

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, in his remarks, charged the new students to maintain the highest standards throughout their academic journey at the institute.

Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simisola Akintola, the VC said that the overall success of the matriculants would serve as a blueprint for a truly sustainable and prosperous future for Africa.

“You are here to contribute to the development of the African continent and to make meaningful contributions across the globe.

“I am confident that by the time you leave here, you will have gained the skills to solve the national and continental problems that we face,” the VC said.

The highlights of the event included the administration of the matriculation oath and the signing of the matriculation register.