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Tag: NASENI

  • Prof. Haruna urges youths to prepare for industrial revolution

    Prof. Haruna urges youths to prepare for industrial revolution

    The Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) Engr. Prof. Mohammed Sani Haruna has disclosed that the ongoing nationwide upgrade of skills of Nigerian youths in various fields and occupations is aimed at Nigeria’s participation in the fourth Industrial revolution.

    Prof Haruna at the occasion of the training of 100 youths in “Modern Methods of Electrical Installations and Maintenance” today in Calabar, Cross River State, South-South geo-political zone advised the youths to take their training and empowerment programme seriously because the series of training is to prepare them to contribute to industrial revolution which is presently being championed by NASENI as directed by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    According to NASENI boss, the need to get Nigerian youths equipped and or given new skills in order to cope with changes in technologies and innovations can no longer be over emphasised. He said “technology is changing and those with old skills in electrical installations are losing jobs because new techniques for either trouble-shooting and handling of electrical installations are coming to the industry”.

    According to the Executive Vice Chairman of NASENI: “development in cutting edge technologies or frontier technologies as the innovations that are shaping the fourth industrial revolution is no doubt disrupting many things and introducing constant changes and standards. He said “these technologies include Artificial Intelligence(AI);Robotics; the Internet of Things(IOT); Big Data: Block Chain; Additive Manufacturing(3D Printing; Autonomous Vehicles; Unmanned Aerial Vehicles; Gene Editing; 5G Network; and even Smart Grid and agitations for wireless electricity. Every aspect of human endeavour, Agriculture, Health, Industry, Transports, Hospitality etc all now requiring electricity however advanced Electricity Energy.

    Speaking further on reasons for the Skills acquisition training of 100 youths in Calabar, Prof. Haruna explained that installation, repairs and maintenance will no longer be metre conduiting, piping or trunking of cable channel and streaming overhead conductors alone. He said the new system of modern electrical installations and maintenance had gone beyond provision of lighting points and sockets outlets. It is about automation remote sensing, remote control and wireless, therefore the capacity of the already existing electrical technicians needed retooling and skills upgrade.

    Professor Haruna said “handlers of modern electrical installations repairs and maintenance need to familiarize themselves with the current advances of the new and emerging technologies and also prepare and be equipped to possess adequate competencies to meet the challenges and opportunities of the development anticipated of the shape and nature of the next industrial revolution which Nigeria must be part of in line with the directive given to NASENI by President Muhammadu Buhari”

    The Governor of Cross River State, Prof. Benedict Ayade who was special guest at the occasion thanked the Federal Government and NASENI for bringing the upgrade and introduction of new skills in electrical installations and maintenance to Calabar and Cross River State’ youths. He disclosed that both the Federal Government under President Buhari administration and Cross River State under Prof. Benedict Ayade share same vision on the need to pursue solving the socio-economic challenges of the country, creation of jobs for the teeming youths and poverty reduction amongst the general populace via industrialization and the development of the manufacturing sector of the economy.

    In this direction, the State government, he said has revived the Construction and Fabrication Academy of West Africa Building in Calabar, a building now serving as temporary site for newly established NASENI Agricultural Machinery & Equipment Development Institute(AMEDI),Calabar.

    The Cross River State Governor, represented by the Deputy Governor, Prof. Ivara Esu thanked the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive of NASENI, Engr. Prof. Mohammed Sani Haruna on the training and upgrade of the skills of 100 youths in the State.

    The Chairman of the occasion, Barrister Ochiglegor Igbado, Member, House of Representatives commended President Muhammadu for his passion for youth developments. He said without focus on self-employment and reskilling of youths, it is practically impossible to create adequate jobs because of the large number of the unemployed youths coming out of schools. Therefore, he urged the trainees to take the on-going skills upgrade in electrical installations and maintenance very serious such that there would not be need any more to invite foreigners from neighbouring countries to fix electrical faults and maintain installations in the State.

    A list of equipment handed over to the youths included: Complete electrical tool box, Multi-metre tester, Cordless Drilling machine, Leather handgloves and other safety equipment

  • NASENI empowers Kano youths with modern auto-diagnosis skills, repairs & maintenance of Vehicles

    NASENI empowers Kano youths with modern auto-diagnosis skills, repairs & maintenance of Vehicles

    The Federal government, through the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has responded to the general complaints by modern car owners of lack of capacity by most technicians to properly diagnose modern cars because of technology improvements which came with today’s newly manufactured cars or auto-vehicles.

    Many car owners have had their cars damaged by technicians because of poor handling resulting from inabilities of auto-technicians (popularly known as Mechanics) to handle most automobiles with automation that are out of reach for most of them, in terms of exposure during apprenticeship or hands-on during post-training experiences.

    While declaring the 5-Day training open today in Kano, the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive, NASENI, Engr. Prof. Mohammed Sani Haruna said that the auto-technical training programme given to the Kano youths was an intervention through a directive by President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, whose interest is the empowerment of youths in kano State (NorthWest)  and also as response to the need to give new skills to youths and to empower those who are already in auto-mechanics with new knowledge of how to diagnose and maintain new vehicles, most of which are now designed and manufactured through a combination of mechanical and electronic features rolled into one.

    According to the Executive Vice Chairman of NASENI, “without the necessary upgrade of knowledge, training and retraining of present crop of Nigeria’s auto-technicians, many of whom are already thrown out of their jobs, would continue to be thrown out of jobs and the larger society could not afford to allow such trend to continue because of its negative socio-economic implications.

    “Without proper upgrade of today’s auto-technicians on our streets in handling modern cars, they would have many more cars of customers damaged and therefore everyone become the loser. Most Modern cars run on a combination of mechanical techniques combined with electronic features which are out of reach of most technicians that are presently operating in our communities. And if we don’t have them trained and their skills upgraded, most of the technicians are already being thrown out of their jobs and car owners are already facing the difficulties of having their cars maintained efficiently.

    Therefore, the intervention by NASENI to train auto-technicians nationwide beginning from kano State (Northwest Zone) could not have come at a better time, Professor Haruna said.

    While explaining further the rationale for the special skills training, the Executive Vice Chairman of NASENI explained that “more importantly, the work force in Nigeria today needed general upgrade of skills and to give the youths, men and women new competencies in preparation for the arrival of the country at the knowledge-economy phase and also her drive toward industrialization in line with the directive given to NASENI by President Muhammadu Buhari”

    According to Professor Haruna, Nigeria need massive upgrade of persons with technical skills, knowledge and vocations across the country in order to redirect the productive competencies of the country toward transforming the nation into a manufacturing economy driven on the skills and technical capabilities of Nigerians in their various fields or economic activities.

    The training therefore targets not only the auto-technicians on their jobs but also the programme by NASENI aimed at increasing the technical competencies of the youths and men toward industrialization and manufacturing feats in the country currently being championed by NASENI as directed by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Also speaking at the occasion, the Secretary to the Kano State Government, Alhaji Usman Alhaji expressed the gratitude of the kano State Government for the intervention by NASENI because the programme had come to address a very critical issue of unemployment and also meeting the need of auto-mobile vehicle owners who are already expressing frustration in the poor maintenance of their vehicles around Kano State and its environs. He said if the head of a family’s income is affected negatively because of inadequate knowledge in handling modern cars, then, the entire family will experience economic hardship. So the intervention in the area of upgrade of the skills and knowledge of the auto-technicians is a direct economic interventions and empowerment to families in Kano state.

    State-of-the art auto equipment, tools and diagnostic kits worth millions of naira were handed over to the 100 participants in Kano metropolis today, making the number of three(3) states with similar exercise. The Agency has taken the same training to Kebbi and Oyo States to ensure that 10 million jobs are created as promised by the present administration.

    Flagging off of the programme in Kano today, the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Engr. Prof Mohammed Sani Haruna said the programme was the first-phase of auto-technical training in the North-West region by the Agency in the implementation of series of President Muhammadu Buhari’s directives to NASENI to ensure development of skills of the nation’s teeming youths necessary for job creation and self-employment generation.

    He said Kano state was selected for the flag-off ceremony because of its occupational trade, advanced skills development and a true mixture of the rural and urban Nigeria setting with all the nationalities living peacefully and thriving commercially.

    “The latest model of any automobiles in the world are all available in Kano. This also informs the selection of this speciality for gainful employment, for capacity building, and for development and intervention.” he said.

    While extoling the ingenuity and creativity of Nigerians when it comes to ability and capacity to observe operations, structure, and built-up of automobiles especially through backward integration techniques, Professor Haruna said Nigeria artisans and mechanics were able to clone automobiles through sourcing of Semi-Knocked Down (SKD), Completely Knocked Down (CKD) and even locally fabricated components/parts, body building and assembling of passengers and cargo vehicles without any training or technical know-how.
    “They are able to diagnose faulty mechanical components and restore functionality of vehicles without having prior training in the methods of conventional or first and second-generation vehicle even through trial and errors. Their innovation has provided employment for large able men who might not even have a formal education. They diagnose and repair  malfunctioned vehicles than certified Engineers could without hands-on practical exposure.

    He said that trial and error method of repairs and maintenance are risky, expensive and incompatible with modern vehicles and automobiles of tomorrow, thus, the essence of the training and empowerment programme of the Federal Government for Nigerian youths across the country.

    Explaining the importance of modern automobile, he said, it has computerized Engine Management Systems (EMS) which deploys advanced control logics, digital electronics and making them sophisticated. “It is easy to trace and address faults in the vehicles without which maintenance becomes too expensive and complicated and at times destructive. Many modern cars are grounded for simple lack of intelligent diagnostic tools or know-how”

    Amongst the automobile tools handed over to the participants by NASENI in Kano are Complete Auto tools, OBD 11Auto Diagnostic Scanner, Cover all, Safety Helmet, Safety Foot Wears, Hand gloves, Safety Google, Respiratory mask, T. Shirt, Face cap, Training bag to include training manual, programme, pad, tag and other writing materials.

  • NASENI kicks off self-employment and job creation programme for youths in Ibadan, Oyo state

    NASENI kicks off self-employment and job creation programme for youths in Ibadan, Oyo state

    In Furtherance of the nationwide empowerment and job creation for youths by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure(NASENI) (Presidency), about 100 youths selected from Ibadan, Oyo state are currently benefiting from the Federal Government’s Youths empowerment programme aimed at giving new skills and modernizing activities of artisans in the plumbing vocation.

    State-of-the-art plumbing equipment, tools and diagnostic kits worth several millions of naira were handed over to 100 youths around Ibadan today in continuation of President Buhari’s directive to NASENI to give Nigerian youths new skills, carry out retraining exercises in line with modern techniques in their different vocations.

    A similar exercise kicked off in Kebbi State recently( in August) where youths from the area were giving training, modern equipment and tools in modern farming.

    The Executive Vice Chairman/CE NASENI, Engr. Mohammed Sani Haruna while flagging off the training in Ibadan today said that NASENI was carrying out President Muhammadu Buhari’s directive saying “the time had come to put an end to the habit of giving out technical jobs meant for Nigerians to foreigners or migrants from neighbouring countries” hence President Buhari’s approval of the on-going special training for Plumbers operating in Ibadan, Oyo State.

    President Muhammadu Buhari is the Chairman, Governing Board of NASENI.

    With the training as a hands-on empowerment programme, Professor Haruna explained, “President Buhari’s intention is the prosperity of the youths and job satisfaction so they could take their plumbing work seriously and move to the highest level of efficiency and professionalism in plumbing”

    The training programme targets inputting in the trainees Modern Skills, Acquisition and training on modern methods of Plumbing and its applications. The youths selected from Oyo State are benefiting from the first phase of the programme targeted at those who are already in the profession of plumbing. The capacity building focuses on reskilling the plumbers to handle installations and maintenance of plumbing works with modern techniques, tools, diagnostics and equipment.

    According to the study carried out which led to the presidential directive; it was observed in Ibadan metropolis that delivery of plumbing works had become problematic because residents and house owners are experiencing poor jobs and finishing of plumbing works. The training programme is therefore targeted at addressing such challenges for professionals and also to make plumbing work become knowledge-based for youths and in tune with modern methods in plumbing and further upgrade of their skills.

    Speaking also at the event, the Chairman of the Occasion and Honourable member representing Ibadan North Federal Constituency who doubles as Chairman House of Representatives’ Committee on Science Research Institutes, Honourable Musiliudeen Olaide Akinremi (Jagaban) said the Ibadan citizens were grateful to President Buhari and NASENI for the intervention to upgrade the skills of plumbers in Ibadan and also giving new tools and technology for them to work with.

    He said the youths and their empowerment had become the most critical socio-economic programme for  sustenance of any modern economy and also a glimpse at “the idea of what the future of the country will looks like”

    Therefore empowering the youths, he said and especially a critical subsector like plumbing is critical to housing and general construction, he said. He also disclosed that youths empowerment programme was central to his legislative agenda, adding, that the Ibadan North Federal constituency zone was lucky for being the first beneficiary of the programme by the Federal Government in South west.

    He charged the trainees to use the equipment and tools to help themselves to increase their efficiency in the course of carrying out their tasks on site.

    The presidential mandate to NASENI in the on-going exercise is to move round the 36 States of the country to empower 100 youths in each location on such areas and skills where it is observed that critical vocational skill lacks efficiency and therefore needing upgrades, new skills acquisition, tools and equipment to advance such identified vocation.

    The list of new tools and equipment handed over to the plumbers include: PPR machine, Drilling Machine, Pressure Testing Machine, Plum, Plunger, Mechanical tools box, Sets of spanners, Pipe Wrench, Punch, Set of Chisels, Ratchet Socket Spanner Box and Gas Piler. Other safety kits given to the trainees include Safety shoes, Eye goggles, mechanical hand gloves amongst others.

  • Nigerian envoy receives delegations of NASENI in London

    Nigerian envoy receives delegations of NASENI in London

    Amb. Sarafa Isola, Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom has received a delegation of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) that was on an investment drive to the UK.

    This was made known to newsmen by the Mission’s Chief of Protocol, Mr Saidu Muhammad, on Monday by e-mail.

    The NASENI team led by its Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive, Prof. Mohammed Haruna was received by the Ambassador and members of his team at the Nigeria House in London.

    The UK envoys team include Mr Bello Jaye, Mission’s Head of Industry, Trade and Investment and Mr Saidu Mohammad, Mission’s Chief of Protocol.

    In his address, Isola applauded NASENI’s leadership for its determination to find opportunities to improve the lives of Nigerians at home.

    “I applaud the organisation’s leadership’s drive to find advantages and solutions to helping Nigeria become current and relevant in its infrastructural aspirations to improve the lives of Nigerians at home.

    “Your organisation’s contributions will be invaluable for the growth and development that our country needs especially in Science and technology.

    “We wish you well on your mission here praying that your set objectives are achieved. l will also assure you of the Missions support for your needs to service the alliances you will forge here,” he said.

    The NASENI Chief Executive, who commended the Commission for the warm reception, said their visit to London was to establish links with groups and organisations in the educational, research and development sectors.

    He said that the delegation would also promote strategically, plan, and upscale NASENI’s programmes by links to institutional resources and awards/grants.

    “To develop NASENI’s blueprint for industrial, educational, research and development through linkages, collaborations with academic institutions, organisations and agencies,” he said.

    NAN reports that the NASENI team included Ibrahim Abdulmalik, Managing Director/Chief Executive of Hydraulic Equipment Development Institute (HEDI), a subsidiary organisation of NASENI, and other senior government officials.

    The weeklong visit will continue with interactions with major players in the automotive sector like Vauxhall, Ford and others in line with its programme for improving quality service of automotive engineering in Nigeria.

  • NASENI signs MoU with Israel, Japan on manufacturing of electric cars

    NASENI signs MoU with Israel, Japan on manufacturing of electric cars

    The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Israeli and Japanese companies to commence assembling and manufacturing environmentally friendly, green, electric and smart automobiles by 2023.

    NASENI entered into partnership with the Israeli, Japanese and Nigerian companies on Thursday, in Abuja.

    Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria,  Michael Freeman, said that the partnership which was a combination of Israeli, Japanese and Nigerian technologies would help address the many challenges affecting the transport and environmental sectors in Nigeria.

    “It is a project that is a partnership with Israeli, Japanese and Nigerian companies taking place in Nigeria.

    “What is special about this project is that it is a timely project that combines Israeli technologies, Japanese technologies, Nigerian entrepreneurship and innovation together to create a project that is going to work fabulously.

    “We are talking about bringing electronic Motorcycles into Nigeria which will be a programme that is green, environmentally friendly.

    “It offers people a cheap way and safe way of transport and even has a technology to ensure that the motorcycles are only used for legal and appropriate purposes.

    “When we look at what the problems are in the world and in also in Africa and in Nigeria, we are talking about issues of fuel scarcity, we are talking about green technology, we are talking about the need to provide cleaner, cheaper, easier transport.

    ‘And here we are, having Israeli and Japanese companies coming together with Nigerian partners to provide cleaner, greener, newer, exciting technology that is expected to move people, population across the country.

    “I believe that a programme that is going to start in Nigeria will be successful and will go across Africa,” Freeman said.

    Prof. Mohammed Haruna, Executive Vice Chairman, NASENI, lauded the collaboration which he said had  come to stay and would be domesticated in the country.

    Haruna said that this project Nigeria would see to the manufacturing of Nigerian made electrical vehicles in the nearest future.

    “The first attempt to domesticate certain technologies in this country, especially in the automobile industry has not worked with continuous importation.

    “NASENI has come into this now with the perfect partners, Japanese and Israeli companies their technologies are proven and known.

    “But most importantly, Nigeria will not just be consuming this technology, we are here to make sure that we domesticate, produce and manufacture in Nigeria.

    ‘We are grateful and we are happy with this collaboration and we assure Nigerians that the automobile industry after this collaboration will not be the same again,” Haruna said.

    Dr Ayal Raz, Representative of Israeli Company, Peramare Enterprise, said that against some perception, Nigeria was safe to invest.

    “With this innovative idea, we believe is going to change so many things in the face of Nigeria.

    “It will bring green energy which means cheaper cost of transport and we all know what that means for our people.

    “It will give work to the people because it is industry, we are going to put a factory here, we will start with assembling then building. It will give us less pollution and greener air.

    “Nigeria is safe to do business and by the special grace of God it is going to come during  the first quarter of 2023, “ Raz said.

    Mr  Sasi Shilo, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), SIXAI, and Japanese Partner said that his company beyond production is keen on supporting the African continent, Nigeria build a sustainable nation  with clean and safe technologies.

    “It is very exciting moment. We have been working in the automobile industry for about half a decade, we have certified plants in fourteen different countries.

    “We really want to contribute to African nation with our technology. What we want to bring is not only to produce but what we want to achieve is to support the African nation to be sustainable.

    “Through our products with safety and environmentally friendly features in our technology,” Sasi said.

    Hon. Wadada Aliyu, Chairman, PAN Nigeria Limited, described the initiative as historic and a starting point for technological evolution in Nigeria.

    “This is historic because Nigeria is conforming with the order of the day which is green environment and memorable because NASENI has set the ball rolling.

    “This synergy between Israeli, Japan, NASENI and PAN as a facility where the assembling will be done, I think the sky will be a starting point of technological evolution in Nigeria,” Aliyu said.

    Newsmen reports that the project was facilitated by Nigerian company, LINKSMAN International LTD.

    Mr Madisca Haruna, Managing Director, LINKSMAN International LTD said the project seeks to attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030, Goal 7 which seeks to enhance international cooperation, facilitate access to clean energy research and technology.

  • NASENI partners CGWIC to establish first Class Transformer Plant In Nigeria

    NASENI partners CGWIC to establish first Class Transformer Plant In Nigeria

    In line with its Industrialization Agenda through economic diversification by the Federal Government, the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC) will next Month(September 2022) carry out the ground-breaking and foundation laying ceremony toward the establishment of a first Class Transformer Production Plant in Nigeria. (This is the first of its kind in Nigeria and second in Africa).
    A visit to Nigeria, followed up with official meeting with the management of NASENI by the Chinese team took place today in Abuja with the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive of NASENI, Engr. Prof. Mohammed Sani Haruna on ground to receive the Chinese technical partner at the NASENI corporate headquarters.
    The visit was aimed at putting finishing touches in preparation for meeting September 2022 deadline for the commencement of work on the project as directed by President Muhammadu Buhari, who doubles as the Chairman of the Governing Board of the Agency.
    The leader of the delegation and Chairman Chinese Liaoning Huaye Group Development Ltd, Anshan, Ma Liming disclosed during the working visit to NASENI that Nigeria and China had a long lasting relationship which led to the signing of the agreement on building of the first transformer manufacturing plant in Nigeria, adding that, the partnership also resulted in the training of Sixty (60) NASENI Engineers on Transformer Production Line and High voltage Testing Laboratory Plant. The third component of the project is the establishment of a solar cell manufacturing plant in Nigeria aimed at popularizing renewable energy in the country.
    According to him “NASENI and China would continue to work together to ensure the attainment of the  industrialization agenda of the Federal Republic  of Nigeria which the three projects have as targets to be kick-started with the building of a first class Transformer Plant in Africa to be located in Nigeria.
    “We will work together as good partners to ensure that Nigeria has the best transformer plant in Africa, he said.
    In his welcome address, Engr. Prof. Mohammed Sani Haruna who conceived the ideas of the projects went down memory lane on the relationship between NASENI and China which culminated into the establishment of the transformer plant in Nigeria. He said the agreement was first signed in 2013 between the Federal Government and People’s Republic of China, but due to some technicalities, the project could not take off.
    He disclosed that President Muhammadu Buhari had given a fresh directive concerning the three projects which, according to him, must take off next month (September 2022).
    He also disclosed that more than 50% of the 15 percent counterpart fund to be paid by the Federal Government on the establishment of transformer plant in Nigeria has been fulfilled and the ground-breaking and foundation laying ceremony of the project will be done by Mr. President in September 2022.
    He said this particular round of visit by the Chinese technical partner to Nigeria was to ensure that all the finishing touches on the commencement of construction work about the projects are done with for effective take-off in September.
    According to Prof. Haruna, for any nation to offer permanent solutions to the issue of power supply, it must have its own High Voltage testing laboratory, which is what this project is expected to achieve for Nigeria, adding that, “NASENI had already trained since 2019 about 60 Engineers in these areas to ensure that when the plant effectively take off, it will be the best and will be run by trained Nigerian engineers and scientists”.
    “For any nation to have a steady power supply, it must have these three important projects, Solar cell production plant, High Voltage Testing Laboratory and Transformer Production Line. You cannot have a permanent and steady power supplies when you import all the components of electricity as currently obtained in Nigeria”. He said.
    He said NASENI is deliberately driving the project now in line with its mandate to provide capital goods and equipment including machinery in order to offer a solid foundation for the industrial development of the country.
    “We are in this for the purpose of ensuring that Nigeria becomes one of the countries in the world with steady power supply which is an essential foundation for a genuine industrialization dream by the country” he stressed.
    Prof. Haruna also said that due to the importance which NASENI placed on solar energy, 98 NASENI engineers will soon be trained on Solar Cell Modular production in China. “The Engineers will leave by September this year.
    If we have the Solar Cell production plant in Nigeria, we will have steady light and even transmit to other African countries. The benefits of having local Solar Cell Manufacturing plant in the country are enormous”, said Prof.Haruna.
  • FG inaugurates assessment committee on Delta-2 Project

    FG inaugurates assessment committee on Delta-2 Project

    As a way forward to the need for implementation of the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Federal Republic of Nigeria (represented by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, NASENI) and the Czech Republic (represented by the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic, TA CR) on Delta-2 Project, the Federal Government has inaugurated a Committee to carry out the assessment of the submissions by Nigeria companies. The assessment would ensure the successful take-off of  Projects to ignite a process of fostering growth and expansion of infrastructure, manufacturing and innovation in Nigeria, leading to Made-in-Nigeria technologies and products.
    According to the Chairman of the Presidential Implementation Committee of Transfer of Technology between Nigeria and Czech Republic (PICTT), Dr. Mohammed Dahiru, over 200 Nigeria companies so far had applied to take part in the Delta-2 project, following public call for proposal May 18,2022. He disclosed that the purpose of  hoisting the federal government’s on-going technology transfer agreement with Czech Republic is to diversify the economy of  Nigeria from oil.
    Speaking at the official inauguration of the Committee in Abuja, the Chairman, Presidential Implementation Committee (PIC) on Technology/Information Exchange between Nigeria and Czech Republic, Dr. Muhammed Dahiru said the Committee’s Terms of Reference is the instrument of implementation of the MoU between the two countries which recognizes the pivotal and critical roles of the PIC and NASENI.
    While inaugurating the Committee, the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Engr. Prof. Mohammed Sani Haruna, who is also co-Chair of the Presidential committee recalled that President Mohammed Buhari on 30th November, 2020 inaugurated the Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer/Information Exchange between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Czech Republic (PICTT), noting that the three focal areas for the First Phase of implementation by PICTT were Agricultural Equipment, Machinery, Production and Processing, Mining Equipment, Machinery, Production and Processing and General manufacturing with emphasis on micro, small, and medium enterprises.
    Prof Haruna said that the Delta-2 Programme is the cooperation model of the TA CR, running from 2020-2025 through which TACR sponsors applied research and innovation of manufacturing companies and innovative institutions. “CZK 250 million (250 million Czech Koruna, approximately equal to US$ 10.5 million) has been allocated as research fund by the Czech government On behalf of the FGN, NASENI will supplement this with US$ 10 million“.
    According to Haruna, 284 Public Proposals for Delta-2 Programme have been submitted for screening, noting that the thematic areas for proposals are Agriculture with total proposal of 78 (27.5%), Mining and SMEs, Mining 12 (4.2%) and SMEs 194 (86.3%).  It could be recalled that the launch of  Call for public Proposals, which is simultaneously being hosted by the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic (TA CR) and at least eight (8) other participating countries was launched on 18th  May, 2022. It was the first part of the project procedure/schedule on “TA CR Delta 2 Programme for Bilateral Cooperation in Applied Research and Technology Transfer for Agriculture, Mining and General Manufacturing”.
    Prof Haruna therefore urged the committee members to ensure that the important projects leading to Made-in-Nigeria technologies and products are selected from the companies to transform Nigeria and to jump the industrial revolution in the country .
    According to Dr. Dahiru, the inauguration of the Presidential Implementation Committee (PIC) on Technology Transfer/Information Exchange between The Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Czech Republic, in December 2020 was in response to the need for the implementation of an existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Federal Republic of Nigeria (represented by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, NASENI) and the Czech Republic (represented by the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic, TA CR). According to the PIC’s terms of reference (ToR), the Committee is expected to work collaboratively with relevant stakeholders and partners, to ignite a process of fostering growth and expansion of infrastructure, manufacturing and innovation in Nigeria.
    The PICTT Work Plan 2021 – 2024, focuses on fostering infrastructural development in agriculture, mining, and general manufacturing (specifically for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises – MSMEs). In line with the focus, the following projects have been finalised and are at different stages of implementation include TA CR Delta 2 Programme for Bilateral Cooperation in Applied Research and Technology Transfer for Agriculture, Mining and General Manufacturing, Smart Irrigation Project/Establishment of Irrigation Equipment Manufacturing Plant and Valves & Fittings Manufacturing Company collaboration with Aqua Industrial set ups, establishment of  Ecopanel Manufacturing Plant in collaboration with Ekopanely Czech Republic, Defence Technology Transfer Projects for the Nigerian Navy through the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic.
    The chairmen of the various assessment committees are as follows: Engineer Professor Michael Faborode(Agriculture), professor Mosto Onuoha(Mining), Mr Dike Aguonye(Technologies for SMEs Development) and Engr.Prof.Suleiman Aruwa heads the Advisory committee.
  • NASENI, BPP collaborates to train staff on due process and service delivery

    NASENI, BPP collaborates to train staff on due process and service delivery

    In its continued efforts to enhance compliance with Procurement procedures by officers and others with related functions in the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) system Wide, the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and NASENI has commenced the second phase of training for staff, especially on due process and service delivery in public office.
    The training has in attendance: staff from Procurement unit, Finance and Account Directorate, Audit unit, Store, Information unit and some Heads of Department from NASENI system.
    The training is aimed at ensuring that extra care is taken in carrying out subsequent procurement activities in the Agency.
    In his welcome address during the opening ceremony of the training at the NASENI Headquarters today in Abuja, the Executive Vice Chairman /Chief Executive of  NASENI, Engr. Prof. Mohammed Sani Haruna, who was represented by Coordinating Director of Business, Planning and Development of the Agency, Mrs. Nonyem Onyechi,  said the training was also aimed at updating concerned officers on the need to follow procedures and laws in order to get value for money spent on any project by the Federal Government for effective service delivery.
    According to him “The Federal Government through its Agencies awards contracts through the procurement processes and NASENI is not an exception, therefore, adherence to the Procurement Act 2007 is very crucial.
    In order not to breach the Public Procurement Act, 2007. NASENI contacted the BPP for capacity building which gave opportunity for on-going training in NASENI system wide”.
    He pointed out that the procurement officers were drivers and operators of the procurement processes and this he said made the training very necessary, adding that the Agency needed to conform to all procurement regulations and the Public Procurement Act, 2007.
    “It will further build and develop the capacity of officers in procurement process to ensure professionalism and the act of giving priority to upholding the vision and mandate of the Agency to national development”, he said.
    Prof. Haruna reiterated that the new status of NASENI under the supervision of the President requires extra care and need for effective delivery. “We cannot afford to leave any stone unturned in ensuring that the right thing is done with the special fund allocated
    to the Agency.”
    He however urged all the Procurement officers and staff of other departments present to take the training very serious, noting that at the end, knowledge would have been imparted with no room for failure or breach of public procurement Act, 2007.
    In his keynote address, the Director-General of BPP, Mr. Mamma Ahmadu said that “Public Procurement is a serious business and it is important to get it right in order to get value for money spent on procuring equipment for service delivery”
    Represented by Engr. Babatunde Kuye, Director, Energy Infrastructure, the BPP boss said every resources of government must be used well.
    “We are interested in getting it right and understanding the procurement concept so that we can move this country forward. Procurement is the easiest way to make money and easiest way to go to prison” he warned.
  • NASENI urges NUC to overhaul entrepreneurship education curriculum

    NASENI urges NUC to overhaul entrepreneurship education curriculum

    The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) on Monday called on National Universities Commission (NUC) to overhaul the curriculum used in teaching entrepreneurship courses in the nation’s universities.

    The Executive Vice Chairman NASENI, Prof. Mohammed Haruna, canvassed this at the ground breaking of the permanent site of its Skills Development Centre and North Central Science and Engineering Integrated Laboratory, Keffi, Nasarawa State.

    Haruna, who is also the Chief Executive of the agency, said most tertiary institutions in the country had no qualified lecturers and the enabling environment to teach entrepreneurship.

    The NASENI boss explained that entrepreneurship was a practical course taught only by practicing entrepreneurs.

    He said that experts in management sciences and marketing with no training in entrepreneurship were not competent enough to teach entrepreneurship courses.

    Prof. Haruna assured that NASENI skills development centres across the country would collaborate with willing tertiary institutions in their catchment areas to bridge the manpower gap.

    He said that the inauguration of NASENI skills development centre, Keffi symbolised government’s commitment to the development of technology base for the nation.

    Haruna said the centre would serve as a knowledge transfer centre for the development of traditional design technology and standardisation.

    This, according to him, is aimed at quality control with a view to enhancing the marketability of products developed by adopting indigenous technology and methods.

    “This in turn will facilitate job creation and economic empowerment of our teeming populace especially youths.

    “The establishment of Keffi skills centre will also complement the efforts of both the state and federal governments on job creation.

    “For peace to prevail in any society, citizens, particularly the youth, must be meaningfully engaged and gainfully employed through capacity building for the generation of job opportunities”, he said.

    He said the establishment of the skills development centres across the country would also help the nation to leapfrog into the 4th industrial revolution.

    “We cannot afford to be left behind as low technology base is the bane of underdevelopment”, he said.

    The NASENI boss commended the efforts of Nasarawa state government in reviving crafts schools and Technical Colleges for skills acquisition, which he described as ‘must’ for industrial development.

    Earlier, the Emir of Keffi, Dr Shehu Yamusa III, thanked President Muhammadu Buhari and NASENI for the establishment of the agency’s skills development centre in the area

    The traditional ruler said that the centre would go a long way to reduce youth unemployment in Keffi in particular and Nasarawa state in general.

    Also, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Chairman of National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Keffi Chapter, expressed gratitude of Keffi Youth to Buhari administration for its numerous youth empowerment programmes since assumption of office.

  • NYCN hails NASENI’s proposed skills acquisition centre in Keffi

    NYCN hails NASENI’s proposed skills acquisition centre in Keffi

    The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has been commended for proposing to establish its skills acquisition centre in Keffi.

    Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Chairman,  National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Keffi Local Government Chapter, Nasarawa State, made the commendation in a statement in Keffi on Sunday.

    He commended NESENI’s Executive Vice Chairman, Prof. Mohammed Haruna, for choosing Keffi as the location for the North-Central skills acquisition centre.

    The youth leader said the centre would provide skill-learning opportunities for the people of the area when it came on stream.

    According to him, it will enable youths in the area to imbibe skills that will make them to become self-reliant.

    ”The proposed centre will help tackle unemployment, poverty and insecurity in Keffi to a reasonable extent,” he said.

    The NYCN official also commended NASENI for setting up a committee for the symbolic inauguration of the agency’s North-Central Zonal Agricultural Machinery Equipment Development Institute, Lafia.

    Idris said that the establishment of the skills acquisition centre in Keffi and the institute in Lafia by NASENI was a good omen to the state.

    He said that the projects were a demonstration of the Federal Government’s resolve to tackle poverty in the country.

    He commended the President Buhari-led government for providing the needed funding for the agency to perform its functions.

    ”The agency has been able to prove its mettle and delivered on its core mandates.

    ”It has done so well in terms of technology transfer, training, food security and agriculture mechanisation,” he said.