By Onome Amuge.
The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has expressed commitment to achieve President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda through the deployment of Science, Technology and innovation (STI) in the economy.
Khalil Suleiman Halilu,the newly appointed executive vice chairman/chief executive officer,NASENI, made the assurance recently while addressing the management and staff of the agency shortly after his assumption of office at the NASENI Headquarters,Abuja.
PICTURE L-R: Olayinka Komolafe, secretary to the agency, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI);Ibrahim Gaya,coordinating director, science infrastructure directorate, NASENI;MohammedDahiru,chairman, Presidential Implementation for the Nigerian/Czech Republic Technology Transfer Agreement;Khalil Halilu,executive vice chairman/CEO of NASENI; and Nonyem Onyechi,coordinating director, planning and business development directorate, NASENI, in a group photograph with the management on the assumption of duty of the EVC/CEO of NASENI on Monday 4 September, 2023.
The new NASENI CEO was received by top management staff of the Agency, led by Nonyem Onyechi, coordinating director,planning & business development, who guided him on a tour of the agency’s facilities. He also held a maiden management meeting with the officials, who took turns to pledge their support for him and also their desires to work for the good of NASENI and to create positive impacts on the economy.
Expatiating on his market driven approach to things, Halilu said his administration would leverage on technology transfer and also not forgetting domestic, home-grown technology development which is the core mandate of NASENI.
The tech expert and entrepreneur, noted that NASENI’s focus is for innovation, science and technology resources to serve Nigerians and to add value to the national economy.
He added that the agency would play critical roles in supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic agenda for the nation anchored on areas such as food security, ending poverty, economic growth and job creation, creating access to capital through consumer credit, inclusivity, improving security, rule of law and fighting corruption.
The new NASENI CEO said in the 21st century, there are immense opportunities for Nigeria to leapfrog in the areas of science, technology, engineering and innovation, even as he promised that NASENI during his tenure would effectively play those central roles through the technology transfer revolution that is coming.
He said, “Our duty here at NASENI will be to use our resources, our talents, our capacity, and our energy to drive economic development priority areas of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Administration, in line with the Act establishing this Agency. “As a preeminent Agency saddled with enormous responsibilities, NASENI with its development institutes and over 4,000 members of staff, is appropriately positioned to deliver on its mandate.”
Halilu, who pleaded with the staff to put in their best, to work with full commitment and dedication, promised that in return, as EVC/CEO, that the welfare of all NASENI staff will be his priority.
Promising an open-door policy for staff, he said he was willing to learn from all staff acrossNASENI, while being open and receptive to their ideas and contributions, aimed at renewing the agency.
“We will make NASENI an employer of choice in the public sector, a place where people will be proud to contribute their quota to the success of the organization and to the overall development of our country, and where they will be treated with respect and dignity. Change is coming, and you are all going to be a part of it,” he said.
He noted further that the agency would adopt, adapt and domesticate cutting-edge technologies, build a pool of well-educated and talented personnel, support world-class research and development (R&Ds), and build partnerships and collaborations across Nigeria, Africa and the world.
“We shall collaborate with government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), at federal and state levels, with the private sector, the international community, development partners and the media. In consultation with you, our staff, and our various partners, we will put together a detailed vision and plan of implementation that is built on the foundation of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and priorities,” he affirmed.
Addressing journalists at the event, Halilu said that he was going to make a significant change by putting NASENI on the economic development map and most importantly churn out products that would increase the gross domestic product (GDP) of the country, which is a priority now with the current economic crisis.
Highlighting his agenda as the EVC/CEO of the Agency, he said, “Number one thing we want to look at is the area of technology transfer, everyone is looking at Africa and there is no better chance than now. Other countries are competing to bring and exchange technologies especially with Africa”
“We cannot ignore our talents. We, Nigerians are amongst the best, doing things in different parts of the globe. We have to bring in all these wealth of experiences. We will ensure that we provide the environment and the necessary support to be able to achieve this mandate.”
