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By Nana Theresa Timothy
The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has initiated a two-day strategic retreat in Abuja. This is to To ensure greater cohesion and sustained alignment between Nigeria’s development institutes and the vision of NASENI.
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This retreat brings together Overseeing Officers from the various Development Institutes, as well as Project Managers, Coordinating Directors, and key NASENI headquarters officials. The goal is clear: to equip leaders with the skills needed to drive NASENI’s mission forward. Also, to align R&D efforts with market-driven, innovative solutions that promise sustainable economic growth.
A Blueprint for Technological Advancement
The Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, emphasized that the retreat is about more than planning. It is about creating an actionable blueprint that positions NASENI as a leader in Nigeria’s technological transformation. Addressing participants, Mr. Halilu highlighted the retreat’s importance in strengthening leadership skills. The retreat will ensure that the Development Institutes are strategically aligned with NASENI’s overarching goals. He noted that the discussions and strategies from this retreat would determine how effectively NASENI can spearhead Nigeria’s drive toward innovation, self-reliance, and technological advancement.
“The conversations, strategies, and commitments forged here will determine how effectively we position NASENI to lead Nigeria into a future defined by innovation, self-reliance, and technological advancement, instill a shared commitment to excellence by adopting global best practices in innovation management,” he stated.
Driving NASENI’s Renewed Vision: Creation, Collaboration, Commercialization
Recent evaluations have revealed the need for tighter cohesion between NASENI’s Development Institutes and its renewed vision. This retreat is, therefore, a pivotal step in NASENI’s transformative journey. The guiding principles of Creation, Collaboration, and Commercialization (3Cs) will serve as the cornerstone of NASENI’s future efforts. These principles embody the agency’s focus: generating cutting-edge, commercially viable solutions that directly impact Nigerians and align with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to Mr. Halilu, the retreat’s purpose is to foster a unified NASENI that can propel Nigeria’s technological goals to unprecedented heights. He stressed the significance of crafting a shared strategy, focusing not only on national development but also on innovations that have a tangible impact on the Nigerian populace.
Adapting to a Rapidly Evolving Technological Landscape
As the institution responsible for advancing indigenous technology, NASENI has been a beacon of innovation in Nigeria. Across its specialized Development Institutes, significant progress has been made in pushing the boundaries of research, fostering creativity, and delivering solutions to address national and industrial challenges. However, Mr. Halilu acknowledged that the fast-changing technological landscape demands continuous adaptation and realignment of NASENI’s efforts to stay relevant and effective.
“To stay true to our mission in this rapidly evolving world, we must continuously adapt, align, and refocus our efforts,” Mr. Halilu said, emphasizing the need for dynamic leadership and a forward-thinking approach.
Collaboration and Synergy for Greater Impact
One of the primary goals of the retreat is to enhance collaboration between the Development Institutes and the NASENI headquarters. This synergy is expected to optimize the utilization of resources, improve decision-making, and strengthen research and development capabilities. A key takeaway is the emphasis on creating market-ready solutions—those that not only drive innovation but also provide economic value for Nigeria.
The retreat also aims to shift the focus of research efforts to align with global best practices and standards, ensuring that Nigeria’s innovations are not only impactful locally but competitive internationally. NASENI’s leadership is committed to building on past successes while adapting to the demands of an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
A Call for Purposeful Engagement and Bold Ideas
In his address, Mr. Halilu urged all participants to engage fully, think creatively, and collaborate purposefully. He reiterated that this retreat represents a unique opportunity to redefine NASENI’s collective impact and to reinforce a shared dedication to progress. The aim is to transcend individual institutional goals and unite under a common vision for Nigeria’s technological future.
“This is our moment to redefine our collective impact and to reaffirm our dedication to a vision that transcends individual institutes to unite us under the banner of progress for our nation. Together, we can and will achieve extraordinary outcomes,” he concluded.
Towards a Unified Technological Future for Nigeria
The retreat underscores NASENI’s mission to be a catalyst for technological progress. And a driver of sector-specific innovations that will impact Nigeria’s economy and society. With a renewed focus on the 3Cs—Creation, Collaboration, and Commercialization—the Agency is poised to lead the nation’s technological aspirations. It ultimately wants to position Nigeria as a major player in the global innovation ecosystem.
By leveraging local expertise, fostering collaboration, and prioritizing market-driven solutions, NASENI is on a path to becoming a central force in Nigeria’s journey toward self-reliance and sustainable development. The agency’s role in achieving President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is crucial, as it strives to harness the power of technology to uplift communities, create jobs, and fuel economic growth.
Conclusion: Building Nigeria’s Technological Legacy
This retreat is not just about aligning current goals. It is about laying the groundwork for a brighter future where Nigeria’s technological innovations become benchmarks on the global stage. Through stronger leadership, unified efforts, and a clear focus on impactful solutions, NASENI aims to shape Nigeria’s destiny as a leader in technological advancement, economic resilience, and social empowerment.
By adapting to the demands of an evolving world and remaining committed to excellence, NASENI is setting the stage for Nigeria to not only participate in the global technological arena but to lead it. The outcomes of this strategic retreat will echo far beyond the walls of the Development Institutes, affecting every Nigerian citizen who stands to benefit from a more innovative, self-sustaining, and prosperous nation.
