The newly appointed Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO), National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr. Khalil Halilu, has said that agency will ensure that President Bola Tinubu-led administration’s agenda is achieved through the deployment of Science, Technology and innovation (STI) in the economy.
Halilu made the pledge while addressing the management and staff of the agency shortly after his assumption of office on Monday in Abuja.
While speaking on his market-driven approach to things, Halilu said he would during his tenure leverage on technology transfer and domestic, home-grown technology development which is the core mandate of NASENI.
According to him, his focus will be on “innovation, science and technology resource to serve Nigerians and to add value to the national economy.”
He explained that the agency would play critical roles in supporting the economic agenda for the nation anchored on areas like food security, ending poverty, economic growth and job creation, creating access to capital through consumer credit, inclusivity, improved security, rule of law and war against corruption.
The new EVC/CEO said in the 21st century, there were immense opportunities for Nigeria to leapfrog in the areas of science, technology, engineering and innovation and maintained that NASENI, during his tenure, would effectively fulfil its mandate through technology transfer revolution.
Halilu 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,” he added.
He appealed to the management and staff to do their best, to work with full commitment and dedication, adding that he will also prioritize the welfare of all NASENI staff in reciprocation of their commitment to the attainment of the lofty heights of his dream for the agency.
The CEO said: “I will be open and receptive to your ideas and contributions, and together we will renew NASENI”.
“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.
“We shall adopt, adapt and domesticate cutting-edge technologies, wherever we find it. We will 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”, Halilu added.
Photo Caption
L-R: Secretary to National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Dr. (Mrs.) Olayinka Komolafe; Coordinating Director, Science Infrastructure Directorate, NASENI, Prof. Ibrahim Gaya; Chairman, Presidential Implementation for the Nigerian/Czech Republic Technology Transfer Agreement, Dr. Mohammed Dahiru ; Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Halilu; and the agency’s Coordinating Director, Planning and Business Development Directorate, Mrs. Nonyem Onyechi in a group photograph when the CEO resumed office on Monday 4 September, 2023
