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Tag: NASENI

  • New NASENI boss resumes office

    New NASENI boss resumes office

    The newly appointed Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO), National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu said he would ensure that President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is achieved through the deployment of Science, Technology and innovation (STI) in the economy.

    Mr. Halilu made this statement while addressing the management and staff of the Agency shortly after his assumption of office as the EVC/CEO at NASENI Headquarters on Monday 1 September, 2023.

    The new EVC/CEO, a tech-Expert and Entrepreneur was appointed to lead NASENI by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, replacing Dr. Bashir Gwandu.

    While expatiating on his market driven approach to things, he said his administration would leverage on technology transfer and also not forgetting domestic, home-grown technology development which is the core mandate of NASENI. According to him, “the focus is for innovation, science and technology resource 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 like 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 EVC/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 play effectively those central roles through technology transfer revolution that is coming.

    According to him, “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 said.

    The new EVC/CEO 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. While promising an open-door policy for staff, he said he was willing to learn from all staff across the Agency, “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.” He said.

    He continued, “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”, he affirmed.

    While answering questions from the journalists, Mr. 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”, he added.

    The new EVC/CEO was received by top management staff of the Agency, led by Mrs. Nonyem Onyechi, Coordinating Director Planning & Business Development, who guided him on tour of the Agency’s facilities. Mr Khalil held a maiden management meeting with the officials, who took turns to pledge their supports for him and also their desires to work for the good of NASENI and to create positive impacts on the economy.

    Mr. Halilu is an entrepreneur and technology expert who had excelled in business development, including managing successfully high-profile concerns both at local and international spheres.  He hails from Kano city, Kano state, Nigeria. He has held several positions in both private and public sectors of the Nigerian economy.

    He has a Master of Science (M.sc) degree in International Business and also B.Sc in Business Administration from University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom respectively.  He honed his skills in Data Science from John Hopkins, USA. He is an expert in Database Administration, Big Data and E-Commerce and Oracle Database Programing 10G.

    Prior to this appointment as EVC/CEO of NASENI, Mr. Khalil sits on the Boards and plays advisory roles in many successful companies like Kuming Power China Group, Nuli Foods Company, CGC Construction, Dantata Foods Ltd., Gongoni Company Ltd., Broadbased Connectivity Limited, Fata Tannery and Sudabelt Medical.

    He was the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ShapShap Technologies Ltd., OyaOya Strategic Services Ltd., Managing Director of KSH Construction & Design Ltd., Co-Founder/Director of KWNNC Paper Recycling as well as Prymo.ng. He was the Chief Operating Officer (COO) Scirrocco International Ltd.; Director/COO of Africa Infotech Consulting; and Director of JIGS Environmental Services & Agro Allied Ltd.  He previously worked at ZCET Global Metering Company and W.J Bush and Co.

  • Tinubu appoints CEO for NASENI

    Tinubu appoints CEO for NASENI

    President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of a new Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI).

    He is Mr Khalil Halilu, 32, who replaces Dr Bashir Gwandu whose appointment was terminated.

    This is contained in a statement by Mr Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, on Friday in Abuja.

    Halilu will serve for an initial term of five years in accordance with the relevant sections of the NASENI Act, 2014.

    The new NASENI head is expected to bring his significant experience as an innovator and technology expert to bear on the new responsibility.

    The NASENI new head’s appointment is with immediate effect.

  • President Buhari orders Prof. Haruna to vacate office immediately

    President Buhari orders Prof. Haruna to vacate office immediately

    President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered the Executive Vice Chairman, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Prof. Mohammed Haruna, to vacate his office immediately.

    A statement from the office of Secretary to the Government of the Federation on Tuesday in Abuja by Mr Willie Bassey, the Director of Information, said Haruna should hand over his office to the next most senior officer in the establishment.

    “This follows the reversal of the extension in office granted by the president from  April 2, 2023 to April 2, 2025 due to the  fact that Haruna had completed two tenures of five years each in the organisation.

    “The president appreciates the contributions of Prof. Haruna in the development of the engineering infrastructure sub-sector of the economy, and wishes him success in his future endeavours.

  • NASENI trains 100 youths in Maiduguri on modern methods in vulcanizing services

    NASENI trains 100 youths in Maiduguri on modern methods in vulcanizing services

    The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure(NASENI) has selected One Hundred(100) youths around Maiduguri to build their skills in modern methods of vulcanizing as part of the directives given to the Agency by President Muhammadu Buhari in the on-going nationwide skill acquisition for youths, not only to make them competitive on their jobs but to also create wealth.

    In his welcome speech at the event, the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive of NASENI, Engr. Prof. Mohammed Sani Haruna, OFR, remarked that the programme was a specialized one in the North-East Zonal intervention by the Presidency through NASENI, focusing on the modern method of vulcanizing and capacity building on the use of modern equipment in the vocation.

    Prof.Haruna said, what NASENI introduced to the youths in Maiduguri with this programme was in line with the global trends and appropriate skill setting. According to him “the training will expose the beneficiaries to new skill sets that will be required for them to make fortune and maintain a competitive edge in the vulcanizing business. The trainees will become new set of vulcanizing technicians who can provide modern vehicles with more electronics components and smarter technologies compared to hitherto manual based vehicles.

    As the trends in vehicle manufacturing continue to advance, the service providers that will be able to cope with technological advancement in the vehicle maintenance including the vulcanizing technicians must be well trained to cope with the new dynamics.

    The Executive Governor of Borno State, Engr. Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum while appreciating the Federal Government and NASENI for the exercise said he was indeed very happy to warmly receive all in Borno State and to speak at this opening ceremony of skill development training and youth empowerment on “MODERN VULCANIZING EQUIPMENT AND ITS APPLICATIONS” in the State. This programme is the first-phase of the North-East Regional Skill Development of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) in the implementation of the series of President Muhammadu Buhari’s directives to the agency, to ensure the development of skills of our teeming youths necessary for job creation and self-employment generation.

    Represented by the Acting Borno State Head of Service, Barrister Mallum Fanami, the Governor remarked that “the occupational trade and advanced skills development selected for Borno State could not have come at a better time than now when the reconstruction efforts and rehabilitation of the people are top priorities or agenda of both Borno State government and the Federal Government even as the people have decided to give peace and development a chance.

    He said, economic activities, job creation and employment generation are the bedrocks for keeping and sustaining peace because when the people, especially the youths are fully engaged or when they find fulfilment in their means of livelihood, there is the confidence to turn down overtures to be part of crime or carrying out acts that are inimical to the wellbeing and harmonious living together of the people.

    His words: “in a city like Maiduguri where there is high number of vehicles; a person with such vocation that are related to repairs or maintenance of car or services ought to be in business always because car owners always require their services to keep the vehicles on the road. Therefore, vulcanizing which is the focus of this particular training is one of such highly sort after vocation in the car vehicles maintenance services. But the challenge has been the low level of technology adaptation and lack of use of modern equipment in fixing tires either for repairs of punctured tires or outright replacement.

    The training will equip participants with advanced trouble shooting tools and complete occupational resources required to repair any tire employing modern equipment, tools and methods. The trainees are carefully selected from those who are earning their living as vulcanizers but requiring such advanced methods to fix tires, enhance efficiency and to make the maintenance of tires or replacement less arduous.

    The Governor thanked the Executive Vice Chairman of NASENI and President Muhammadu Buhari for remembering the young people in Borno State. He admonished the participants to guard jealously and utilize judiciously the expensive tools to be given to them at the end of the training as startups.

    The Borno State Government, he said, also would continue to support the trainees whichever ways to keep them focused so that they could derive maximally the benefits of what the State and Federal Governments were jointly doing for them through the training.

  • NASENI, Nasarawa govt. hands over 1,150 units of cooking stove to women

    NASENI, Nasarawa govt. hands over 1,150 units of cooking stove to women

    The Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr.Abdullahi A. Sule has urged other Agencies and parastatals of Governments both at the Federal and State levels to emulate the development strides going-on at the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) to bring development directly to the people.

    At the occasion of the second phase of the nationwide-distribution of Save 80-Efficient Cooking Stove to households which took place in Nasarawa State Government house, Lafia and Akwanga today, the Governor said “nations are built by institutions but also institutions are to be built directly by humans. Leaders’ commitment and dedication to the ideals of such institutions are for the benefits of the people and nothing else.”

    The first set of NASENI’s environment-friendly cooking stoves with wonder pots were distributed a fortnight ago amongst women which took place at the NASENI headquarters, located at the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja.

    Governor Sule said “what Nigeria is witnessing today with NASENI is the direct outcome of putting a round peg in a round hole with the appointment of Prof. M.S Haruna as NASENI Chief Executive, as demonstrated in the transformations that had taken place in NASENI under him as helmsman of the Agency.

    The Governor commended the Agency under Professor Haruna that “it is indeed a new NASENI and some of the things observed in the Agency currently ought to have been done several decades ago, but now on-going, because of the visionary leadership of Prof. Haruna, it is better late than never. NASENI is now led by one who understood the crucible of institutional development interventions and the mandate of the Agency, NASENI is now back on track. He stressed further saying “if only the management of NASENI would continue at this pace then in no distant future, real time development will begin to come to Nigeria and its people”

    “I have observed keenly the developments and interventions that are going-on in NASENI and I had cause to discuss with President Muhammadu Buhari about the developments at the Agency, and I can confirm to everyone that the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is very pleased with the various developmental strides, research and developmental works that are on-going at the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure” Said Governor Sule.

    Adding, he affirmed, that the President of the Country was highly impressed with the transformations that are going on in NASENI under the leadership of Engr.Prof.M.S Haruna. Therefore he urged the EVC/CE and NASENI management to continue in this path of progress and restoration of hope of a possible industrial revolution of the country soon.

    The Executive Vice Chairman of NASENI at the Nasarawa State Government House disclosed that the distributions of the Save 80-Efficient Cooking distribution carried out today was for Nasarawa North and South Senatorial Zones totaling One thousand One hundred and fifty (1,150), about 350 Units of save 80-efficient Cooking stoves had been distributed to 350 households earlier in the day in Nasarawa North Senatorial District in Akwanga Local Government Area of the State.

    NASENI and Atmosfair Germany designed and manufactured the Save 80 Efficient Cooking Stove and the wonder pots being distributed to the women nationwide. Atmosfair Germany, a non-governmental organization (NGO) is on a mission to save the environment from further deforestation and desertification. The working collaboration between NASENI and the German organization, according to professor Haruna, received gracious approval of President, Muhammadu Buhari.

    One of the interests of NASENI in the Project, according to Prof. Haruna was not only to save the environment from continuous deforestation and conservation of the vegetation flaura and fauna but also “to reach out to these less privileged women especially now that house-hold incomes are shrinking and the rural women have the difficulties of meeting their energy needs to prepare meals for their families.”

    The Executive Vice Chairman of NASENI further pledged the Agency’s commitment to a continuous support for the upliftment of the rural areas through the introduction of innovative products, technology, machines and equipment to boost the economies of the rural areas in line with the mandate of the Agency.
    In addition to the save 80-Efficient Cooking Stove and the wonder pots, Prof. Haruna announced the donation to each beneficiary of the products the sum of N10,000 naira for the logistics of returning to their various villages and towns after receiving the products.

    The women were filled with joy as they received the products from the State Governor and the NASENI Executive Vice Chairman.

  • NASENI, German firm launch and distribute 3000 units of save 80 cooking stoves to women, IDPs and widows

    NASENI, German firm launch and distribute 3000 units of save 80 cooking stoves to women, IDPs and widows

    In order to save the environment from continuous degradation, unabated deforestation and to
    reduce harmful emissions in the country, the National Agency for Science and Engineering
    Infrastructure (NASENI) in collaboration with Atmosfair, Germany today launched and
    distributed 3,000 units of NASENI-Atmosfair Save 80 Energy Efficient Stove to Nigerian
    women, Widows, IDPS across the six-geopolitical zones.

    Speaking at the unveiling and distribution of Save 80 Efficient Stove at the NASENI
    Headquarters in Abuja, the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive of NASENI, Engr. Prof.
    Mohammed Sani Haruna said with the consideration of the Nigeria’s Nationally Determined
    Contribution (NDC) targets for emission reduction by 2030, the use of energy-efficient cooking
    stoves provide high potential for emission reduction and mitigating the climate change.

    According to Prof. Haruna, there is over forty percent (40%) saving in cooking time and
    environmentally friendly compared to firewood and charcoal fuelling methods, with increasing
    energy efficiency, adding that with the launch of Save 80 Energy Efficient Cooking Stove,
    Nigeria will achieve the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal No.7 on Energy access
    to affordable, reliable, sustainable and Clean Energy for All.

    He said: “NASENI in collaboration with Atmosfair Launch the Energy Efficient Stove today and
    will distribute 3000 units as donation to deserving women, IDPS and widows across the six-
    geopolitical zones. This Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) will improve the Agency’s eco-
    friendliness and carbon footprint, a positive contribution to climate change and service to
    humanity”, he stated.

    Engr. Prof. Haruna noted that the Agency has intervened in several sectors of Nigerian Economy
    and has domesticated several technologies which beforehand were considered impossible in the
    country, adding that NASENI hitherto had made several efforts in renewable energy
    technologies including biomass, wind energy and Solar Module Manufacturing plant at Karshi,
    Abuja.

    “Our progress in the production of solar cell locally will drastically reduce the per megawatt cost
    of clean electricity and making solar electricity available at more affordable rate to the average
    citizens. The local solar cells development will promote affordability of solar energy as the
    prices will crash and increase proportion of solar electricity in our energy mix” he said.

    On how the stove will be distributed, Prof. Haruna explained that some of the stoves will be
    handed over to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social

    Development for onward distribution to IDPs and those that have been affected by recent
    flooding in the country.

    “Let me add that the production of these stoves is also a viable, self-sustaining and revenue
    generating venture, which will create thousands of employments, we are duplicating
    manufacturing facility for both the stove and the Brickets (Fuel of stove) which is from Agric
    waste. The product will be manufactured simultaneously in Kano and Agada village of Karu
    Local Government Area of Nasarawa State”, he affirmed.

    In his address, Dr. Dietrich Brockhagen, the Managing Director, Atmosfair, Germany said the
    NDC of Nigeria to Paris Agreement sets out an ambitious target: 7 point 3 million efficient
    cooking stoves envisaged to be in use in Nigeria households by 2030.

    Explaining the efficiency and powerful remedy of the Save 80 cooking stove, he said the name
    says it all, “they save 80% fuel wood; more so, they come with a wonder box, a heat containing
    device. So, if you cook rice or beans, efficiency can go up to 90%. And together with NASENI
    we want to go all the way to 100% fuel wood saving.”

    He said instead of firewood, use briquettes made from crop residues, stating that this 100%
    saving machine, spread out in great numbers could effectively bring deforestation in Nigeria to a
    halt.

    “NASENI is in our partnership with the NAGGW, we will identify pilot villages and small
    towns, in order to test briquetting machines and their use in communities, and make sure that it
    works in practice” he added.

  • Czech Republic, Nigeria commits nine (9) billion naira to raise 25 Nigerian registered companies to boost economy

    Czech Republic, Nigeria commits nine (9) billion naira to raise 25 Nigerian registered companies to boost economy

    The Chairman Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer Between Nigeria & Czech Republic (PIC), Dr. Mohammed Dahiru has said that as a direct intervention fund to boost research and development (R&Ds) based economic activities in Nigeria, leading to commercially viable businesses, the partnership between the Czech Republic and Nigeria is yielding a whooping N9.Billion Naira direct support for Twenty five (25) Nigeria registered companies to start off in the country under the Delta-2 programme.

    The official announcement of results of successful top 25 applicants and 5 on waiting list under the Delta-2 Programme, CZECH-Nigeria Bilateral Co-Funding R&Ds for year 2023, held today at the Technology Orientation Centre (TOC), NASENI Headquarters, Abuja.

    At the event, Dr. Dahiru disclosed that the 25 companies who scaled evaluation process of the assessment committee criteria will receive funding from the Czech Republic-Nigeria Co-funding R&Ds project next year, 2023.

    The Czech Republic Government is supporting Nigeria technology based enterprises with 10 million Dollars (N4.5 Billion Naira equivalents) with also a match-up fund of same amount already approved by the Federal Government through the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI).
    In his opening remarks, the Co-Chair of the Presidential Implementation Committee and also the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive of National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI),

    Engr. Prof. Mohammed Sani Haruna, who joined the event via zoom, said the evaluation of the proposal was carried out diligently by members of the Assessment Committee under the auspices of the PIC, who were selected from Nigeria Academy of Science, Nigeria Academy of Engineering (as research experts) and the Nigeria-Czech Republic Trade and Investment Council ( as business experts).

    According to Prof. Haruna “the process was well articulated, transparent and well-coordinated by experts in both fields of research and business and ably assisted by the PIC Secretariat. Speaking further, the NASENI EVC/CE said “to the best of my knowledge, this is the first time in the history of Nigeria that private sector, academia and the public sector are collaborating to jointly submit research and development proposals with work-plans for commercialization and mass production from the onset backed by business plans”, He explained.

    The NASENI Boss however, affirmed that “this cooperation between Nigeria and the Czech Republic and the collaboration between NASENI and TA CR is teaching us methods of deploying applied research and the best option to forge marriage between private sector, academia and the government otherwise known as the Triple Helix”

    It could be recalled that PIC announced the Call for Proposals for Joint R&D Projects under the coordination of the TA CR and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) for the Delta-2 Programme in May, 2022. Following the call, a total of 285 proposals were received from which 117 were admitted into the Evaluation and Scoring process by the Coordinating Committee based on the eligibility criteria, which included usefulness of the project and its contribution to fulfilling the goals of the 3 priority areas (Agriculture and Food Technology, Mining and Industrial Development and General Manufacturing for SMEs Development).

    Out of the 117, the maximum number of projects fundable under the current call for proposals under the Nigerian-Czech joint call were twenty-five (25) while five (5) proposals are on waiting list.

    The Presidential Implementation Committee (PIC) on Technology Transfer /Information Exchange between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Czech Republic on Delta-2 Programme is tasked with the sole objective of implementing that activities of an Agreement signed between Nigeria, represented by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and the Czech Republic, represented by Technology Agency of the Czech Republic (TA CR). The Agreement is to promote the adoption and development of technology solution in different sectors of Nigeria.

    Dr. Dahiru, said the PIC Work-Plan for 2021-2024 focuses on fostering infrastructural development in agriculture, mining and general manufacturing ( especially for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

    According to him, in line with the focus of Delta-2 Programme, other projects under the programme have been finalized and were at different stages of implementation. “Our relationship with TA CR led the PIC to open the 4th Call for Proposal for Joint R&D Projects between NASENI and TACR under Delta-2P Programme on 18th May, 2022 and closed on 13th July, 2022”

    He noted that the joint R&D project focuses on providing local companies/organizations with the right technological solution and platform to expand their business opportunities in order to develop local content, production and manufacturing of local goods and services in Nigeria, thereby controlling the over dependence of the country on imported goods and services. “It is an avenue to move ideas from the laboratories to Nigerian markets to maximize the impact of industrialization leading to job and wealth creation and to foster the relationship for international trade between Nigeria, the Czech Republic and other participating members of the Delta-2 progarmme”. He explained.

  • Solar Energy: NASENI targets 50 megawatts of electricity contribution to Nigeria by 2023

    Solar Energy: NASENI targets 50 megawatts of electricity contribution to Nigeria by 2023

    The Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Engr Prof. Mohammed Sani Haruna has disclosed the agency’s target is to contribute 50 Megawatts of solar energy to Nigeria’s electricity by 2023.

    He made this known during the closing ceremony of a week-long NASENI Skill Acquisition Training and Youth Empowerment for 100 youths on solar installation and maintenance in Awka, Anambra State at the weekend.

    Prof. Haruna said that the agency already has achieved about 21 Megawatts per annum with installed capacity through its NASENI Solar Energy Limited (NSEL), a manufacturing plant located in Karshi, Abuja, owned by the Agency. He said the plant is now implementing its plan to double that capacity to move its production capacity to 50 Megawatts to bridge the gaps of over 80 per cent imported substandard solar products which has flooded Nigerian markets.

    He harped on the need for training and retraining of technicians in the solar system electric power supply subsector, stressing that a competent workforce for Nigeria is a must for self reliance and industrial development.

    According to the NASENI Executive Vice Chairman, he explained that “Technicians must be trained and retrained for knowledge update. Failure to acquire skill and training for solar electricity supply is the root cause of most failed solar installations across the country. This is frustrating and discouraging to customers, some consumers are already contemplating that solar system is a myth instead of a reality.

    But he said, NASENI solar panels and installations have not recorded failure anywhere across the country. “Although we are aware that some solar installations are failing even before commissioning. No two solar system installations are exactly the same even if they are of same size and capacity. Load survey, computation and analysis are on a case-by-case basis. Accordingly, you must acquire skill on how to carry out load survey, design, component specification and selection and then component matching in that order, before installation. Solar power system is modular, and there are specific methods and scientific approach to installation, repairs and maintenance,” he said.

    The NASENI boss reiterated that there could be no industrial development without a skilled workforce, stressing Nigeria cannot continue to import machines, men and other equipment and in fact value added raw materials for Nigeria industries and yet aspire for industrial economy.

    He maintained that skilled Nigerians are the most important of all components of knowledge-based economy, adding that the mandate of skilled development given to NASENI by President Muhammadu Buhari is among the key or important legacy of the present administration.

    Haruna further urged the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to commence a five-year programme on rebooting tertiary education workshops and laboratories across the country with appropriate equipment that will make it possible for all students to acquire at least an occupational trade skill before graduation.

    “Compulsory skill acquisition course is needed as integral part of tertiary education curriculum of National University Commission (NUC), the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), and the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) as a modification or substitute of entrepreneurship programme of tertiary education that is of limited impact,” he added.

    In her own remarks, the Chairman Senate Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation, Sen. Uche Ekwunife expressed optimism on the benefits of the training to youths in Anambra State.

    “I strongly believe on the importance and gains of the training today which cannot be overemphasized.”The mandate of NASENI is for capital goods in the areas of research on reverse engineering , industry, chemical, chemistry and engineering. “The essence of this training is actually to train our youths on solar installation and maintenance.

    “If you look at the way the country is going today, we are trying to find alternatives to energy and solar is one of them.
    “I believe that if the trainees paid attention to what they were taught it will give them an opportunity to be self reliant and to train others,” she said.

    The lawmaker, who was the chairperson of the occasion, thanked NASENI on behalf of the Senate Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation, stressing that empowering youths was important for a skilled workshop which Nigeria needs for rapid industrialisation.

  • Revitalization of Agric Sector: Buhari laud NASENI for On-going works

    Revitalization of Agric Sector: Buhari laud NASENI for On-going works

    President Muhammadu Buhari has commended Engr.Prof. mohammed Sani Haruna-led National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) for the Agency’s continued efforts in revamping the Agricultural sector, especially through mechanization, introduction of research and development (R&Ds) systems and processes in order to add value to the practices of farming in the country.

    NASENI is currently implementing a presidential approval to establish six (6) Agricultural machinery and Equipment Development Institutes (AMEDI), one per geo-political zone of the country. This is beside several already fabricated machines and innovations needed to improve economic activities in the Agric sector, including a nationwide project targeted at refurbishment of tractors and other intervention initiatives aimed at bringing back the Nigeria Agricultural sector.

    While commending NASENI under Prof. Haruna, the President through his Chief of Staff, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari said the “President is appreciating NASENI for the development of Agriculture in the country and also for NASENI becoming a shining example of an agency determined to assist the Federal Government to achieve its developmental objectives for the people of Nigeria”

    The chief of staff at the weekend in Lafia, carried out on the spot inspection of on-going construction works of the new Agricultural Machinery and Equipment Development Institute (AMEDI), the one for North-Central geo-political zone, located in Lafia, Nasarawa State. The foundation laying ceremony of the Institute was carried out by the Chief of staff, on behalf of President Buhari in August this year.

    So far, in two months, about three (3) workshops of the Institute in Lafia have been fully constructed and the administrative building is also nearing completion. Moved by the level of speed of work and satisfaction with the quality of work, Prof. Gambari expressed hope that the Institute in Lafia would be up for commissioning during the life-time of President Buhari administration, early next year.

    According to the Chief of Staff, the intent of President Buhari with the establishment of the Agricultural Institutes was not only to ensure Food security for Nigerians but also for the purpose of export of foods and other agricultural implements to neighboring African countries.

    He said “President Buhari wants Nigerians to produce what they eat and to eat what they produce and also keep enough for export”

    The Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive of NASENI, Prof. Mohammed Sani Haruna while showing the Chief of Staff round the complex, thanked him and the President for the encouragement, enabling environment and support that had aided the Agency to carry out its statutory mandate. He said NASENI has taken up the challenge of assisting the federal government’s plans to promote food security in the country through the speedy completion of the Agricultural Machinery and Equipment Development Institutes and also design and fabrication of a long list of agricultural process machines including planters and harvesters, all aimed at making the agricultural sector viable and attractive to investors and farmers alike.

    He said AMEDI and other centres will soon be commissioned as soon as construction works are completed, some of them will be commissioned within the life time of this administration. According to him, President Muhammadu was inspired by the mandate of AMEDI Mbaise, Imo State, and had directed NASENI to establish similar institutes in the six geo-political zones of the country. He said Nigeria is going to witness a genuine Agricultural revolution soon and also real farming mechanization when these institutes come to full stream.

  • Terror alert: Buhari summons emergency security meeting

    Terror alert: Buhari summons emergency security meeting

     

    President Muhammadu Buhari will on Monday meet with security chiefs in Abuja, to further review and strengthen the security network in the country.

    This was contained in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the president on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu.

    The statement explained that the President, who was initially scheduled to commission the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) new Technology and Innovation Complex, will receive briefs from the security chiefs, and interject on areas that need more attention.

    The commissioning of the NASENI complex will hold at a later date.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) recalled that there has been a security alert that terrorists have planned to attack some designated areas in Abuja, the nation’s seat of power.

    This has led to panic in Abuja and recently the United Kingdom and the United State in their separate security advisory advised their citizens the vacate Abuja.

    End