On Friday, February 14, 2025, a significant milestone was reached in the Federal Government of Nigeria’s efforts to ensure the socio-economic well-being of future generations with the groundbreaking ceremony for the Sustainable and Emerging Technologies Institute (SETI).
This initiative is supported by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and The Presidency.
During the ceremony held at the New Campus of Bayero University Kano (BUK), the executive vice chairman (EVC) of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Halilu announced that the new institute will be built on 30 hectares of BUK land and will feature state-of-the-art facilities, including innovation hubs dedicated to Artificial Intelligence and other advanced technologies, all supported by a reliable power supply. “NASENI will fully build, equip, and support the new Institute,” said the EVC.
Halilu emphasised that the future of socio-economic development for nations relies on human creativity, innovation, and collaboration, particularly in fields such as artificial intelligence and robotics.
He stated that the establishment of SETI in Nigeria aims to respond swiftly to the global influx of young innovators who are revolutionising economies and creating new socio-economic opportunities through their innovations.
“We at NASENI firmly believe in the potential of young Nigerians to act as catalysts for the transformation Nigeria needs. We are committed to supporting them in fulfilling this vital responsibility,” he added.
“We are gathered here today to initiate a project that will transform the lives and careers of future generations of young Nigerians. The Sustainable & Emerging Technologies Institute (SETI), located at Bayero University Kano (BUK), is aligned with our guiding principles: Collaboration, Creation, and Commercialisation – our 3Cs. These principles passionately drive our efforts to ensure the industrialisation of Nigeria in line with the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda of President Bola Tinubu.”
SETI is expected to produce innovators, technologists, and entrepreneurs who will make significant impacts both in Nigeria and globally. Halilu expressed his eagerness for the day when the institute’s first graduates will reveal their remarkable capabilities. “These achievements will place not only BUK but also Kano State and Nigeria on the global innovation map,” he stated.
The groundbreaking ceremony featured a symbolic foundation laying, with the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji serving as the special guest of honour. He described the project as a commendable initiative by NASENI that aims to position Nigeria on the global innovation and industrialisation stage. The minister referred to the project as an “ace project,” vital for securing substantial socio-economic development for the nation.
In his goodwill message, the vice-chancellor of BUK, Professor Sagir Abbas called the new institute a platform that integrates the three essential pillars for economic and sustainable development: government, academia, and industry. He characterised the groundbreaking event as the beginning of Nigeria’s pursuit of sustainable development and significant job creation opportunities for the youth, expressing BUK’s enthusiasm for hosting such an important initiative.
Additionally, a statement from the agency’s director of information, Olusegun Ayeoyenikan announced another NASENI project at BUK: an agri-preneurship training hub. This hub will be equipped with modern greenhouses and facilities for soil-less farming and tissue culture, occupying 10 hectares at the Old Campus. Together, these projects embody NASENI’s mission to build capacity, advance industrialization, and support economic growth and prosperity.
NASENI extends its gratitude to the government and people of Kano State, as well as the vice-chancellor, management and students of Bayero University Kano (BUK) for their support. Special thanks are also given to Nnaji for his role as the special guest of honour.
Further appreciation goes to the members of the National Assembly for their support, particularly the NASENI oversight committees in both chambers and to President Bola Tinubu for providing NASENI with the opportunity to serve Nigeria, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the agency’s success.
