The Minister of Science and technology, Geoffrey Nnaji, has laid the foundation for the Sustainable and Emerging Technology Institute, donated to the Bayero University, Kano, by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI).
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, Nnaji said the institute will serve as a hub for research, capacity building and partnership to ensure Nigeria moves to the forefront of advancing technology, sustainability and development in areas such as renewable energy, artificial intelligence and biotechnology.
He said the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda, particularly in the areas of economic diversification, industrialization and job creation which will lay a foundation for a future that is self- sufficient, technologically competitive and environmentally sustainable.
In his remarks, NASENI Executive Vice Chairman, Mr. Khalil Suleiman, explained that the donation was in line with the agency’s operating principles of collaboration, creation and commercialisation to ensure the industrialisation of Nigeria.
He highlighted that the institute is cited on 30 hectares of land, and will feature state-of-the-art facilities, including innovation hubs (devoted to Artificial Intelligence and other cutting-edge technologies), complemented by reliable power supply which NASENI will fully build, equip and support.
“There is also, in addition to SETI, a second NASENI project for BUK, an agripreneurship training hub, that will be equipped with modern greenhouses, and facilities for soil-less farming, and tissue culture; occupying 10 hectares of land at the old campus,” he said.
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While emphasing that the institute will produce innovators, technologists, and entrepreneurs who will make their mark not just in Nigeria, Mr. Suleiman, noted that the projects aims at building capacity, advancing industrialization, supporting economic growth and prosperity in the country.
He therefore urged the university community to immediately take ownership of the project, and provide all the needed support to ensure its speedy completion.
BUK Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sagir Adamu, pointed out that the establishment of the institute is a bold step, towards positioning Kano and Nigeria at the forefront of innovation, industrialization and human capital development.
He further commended NASENI and the minister for the initiative and noted that the institution remains committed to partnership for knowledge and exchange, and would also ensure the success and sustainability of the initiative.
