NASENI: We’ll deploy STI to drive Tinubu’s socio-economic agenda –Halilu

*Khalil Suleiman Halilu, newly-appointed Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, says his focus is to apply innovation, science and technology resource to add value to the Nigerian economy, including food security, poverty alleviation, job creation, and creating access to capital through consumer credit among others

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

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

Halilu stated this while addressing the Management and Staff of NASENI shortly after his assumption of office as the EVC/CEO Monday, September 4, 2023, at the Headquarters, in Abuja, FCT.

ConsumerConnect reports President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently appointed new NASENI Executive Vice-Chairman, who is a technology expert and entrepreneur was appointed to lead NASENI, replacing Dr. Bashir Gwandu, ex-EVC/CEO of the regulatory agency.

Expatiating on his market-driven approach to doing things at the agency, Mr. Olusegun S. Ayeoyenikan, Director of Information and Protocol at NASENI, stated Halilu disclosed that his leadership would leverage technology transfer, while not forgetting the domestic, home-grown technology development as the core mandate at NASENI.

The Executive Vice-Chairman also stated: “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.

Strategies to leverage STI for sustainable development

In the 21st Century, Halilu stated there are “immense opportunities for Nigeria to leapfrog in the areas of science, technology, engineering and innovation,” pledging that NASENI would play effectively those central roles through the imminent technology transfer revolution during his tenure.

“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,” said he.

Highlights of leadership agenda at NASENI, by Halilu

The new EVC/CEO of NASENI, who pleaded with the staff of the agency to put in their best and work with full commitment and dedication, promised that in return, the welfare of all staff would be his priority.

He further assured of an open-door policy for staff, noting that he is 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 organisation 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,” Halilu stated.

The EVC/CEO further said: “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.”

He equally asserted that in  consultation with the staff, both the personnel of the agency and its various partners would put together a detailed vision and plan of implementation, built on the foundation of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and priorities.”

Answering questions from the reporters, Halilu said that he would 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.

Giving further insight into  his agenda as the EVC/CEO of the sgency, 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.”

Halilu added: “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.”

The agency disclosed the new EVC/CEO was received by top Management Staff of the Agency, led by Mrs. Nonyem Onyechi, Coordinating Director Planning and Business Development, who guided him on tour of the Agency’s facilities.

Khalil thereafter held a maiden Management meeting with the officials, who took turns to pledge their support for him, and pledged to work for the good of NASENI and to create positive impacts on the economy.

Khalil Suleiman Halilu at a glance

Halilu is an entrepreneur and technology expert, who prior to his recent appointment as the EVC/CEO of NASENI, had excelled in business development, including managing successfully high-profile concerns both at local and international spheres.

He hails from Kano City, in Kano State, Northern Nigeria.

Halilu had also held several positions in both private and public sectors of the Nigerian economy.

He possesses a Master of Science (M.Sc) degree in International Business and also B.Sc in Business Administration from the University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom (UK) respectively.

He honed his skills in Data Science from John Hopkins, United States (US).

The Chief Executive Vice-Chairman of NASENI is an expert in Database Administration, Big Data and e-Commerce and Oracle Database Programing 10G, said the agency.

Prior to this appointment, Halilu 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.

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