SETI: NASENI’s Strategic Answer to Nigeria’s Emerging Technology Challenge
Oduwole commends NASENI’s vision and commitment to building a technology-driven future for Nigeria
By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters
The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has intensified efforts to position Nigeria as a leading player in emerging technologies with the establishment of the Sustainable Emerging Technologies Institute (SETI) in Kano, a facility designed to equip young Nigerians with the skills and innovation capacity required for the industries of the future.
The development was highlighted during a recent visit by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, to the institute, where she was received by NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu.
According to information released by NASENI, the institute represents a strategic investment aimed at bridging Nigeria’s emerging technology gap and preparing the country’s growing youth population for a rapidly evolving global economy.
SETI is expected to serve as a centre for innovation, research, skills acquisition, and technology development, providing a platform where young talents can engage with cutting-edge technologies while fostering stronger collaboration between academia, industry, and government.
During the visit, Oduwole commended NASENI’s vision and commitment to building a technology-driven future for Nigeria, noting that investments in innovation and human capital development remain critical to the country’s industrial transformation agenda.
She observed that as Africa moves towards becoming home to the world’s largest youth population by 2050, deliberate investments in technology infrastructure and skills development would be essential to unlocking the continent’s demographic advantage.
The minister emphasized the importance of creating pathways that enable young Nigerians to participate meaningfully in global technological advancements and emerging industries.
Speaking on the significance of the project, NASENI Executive Vice Chairman, Khalil Halilu, said the institute was conceived to bridge the gap between talent, research, and industry while creating an ecosystem that nurtures innovation and entrepreneurship.
According to him, SETI is designed to become a hub where ideas can be transformed into practical solutions capable of driving economic growth and industrial development.
“SETI will serve as a hub for innovation, skills development, and emerging technologies, helping position Nigeria to compete in the industries of tomorrow,” Halilu stated.
He noted that the institute aligns with NASENI’s broader mandate of promoting indigenous technological advancement, supporting research and development, and creating opportunities for Nigerian youths to acquire future-ready skills.
Industry experts have increasingly stressed the need for African countries to invest in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, and digital innovation to remain competitive in the global economy.
With the establishment of SETI, NASENI is expected to play a leading role in nurturing the next generation of innovators, researchers, and technology entrepreneurs capable of driving Nigeria’s industrial and economic transformation.
The agency expressed optimism that the institute would become a catalyst for technological innovation and a key contributor to Nigeria’s aspirations of building a knowledge-based economy anchored on science, technology, and innovation.
