The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and the department of agricultural and environmental engineering, Bayero University Kano (BUK) have agreed to work together in providing a robust platform for the development and fabrication of agricultural equipment and tools, training on repairs of tractors, their maintenance and also joint research endeavours including the increase in performance and standardization of agricultural machinery.
This came to light when the head of the department of agricultural and environmental engineering BUK, Dr. M.L. Attanda and his team visited the agency on Thursday to seek possible areas of collaboration.
In his presentation, Attanda said a successful collaboration between NASENI and the department of the university would provide rooms for the above-mentioned areas, noting his department was established to train and produce agricultural engineers with the requisite skills and capabilities which meet world standards.
According to him, “The department has so many machines ranging from three unserviceable tractors that needed to be repaired and installed, equipment and tools for fabrication workshop which include lathe machine, electric hacksaw G7016, AC Arc welding machine 1, Ac Arc welding machine 11, bench vices, etc. The university has post-harvest machinery for rice and other grains value chain which needs installation and structure to accommodate the value chain machines such as grain milling/hulling machine, rice milling/grain dehusking machine, rice polishing machine, rice destoning machine, grains storage (Silo) and rapid steam paddy perboiler”.
Attanda said the objective of the collaboration could not be achieved without proper installation, maintenance and utilization of the equipment and machinery meant for both students’ learning and staff research, noting that the proposed collaboration with NASENI would immensely bridge the existing gaps in agricultural machinery skills’ training for students and researches by staff.
“This collaboration will eventually enhance the level of machinery skills acquisition by the students, output of the department and productivity of our country. On behalf of the department of agricultural and environmental engineering, Bayero University Kano, I would like to express our sincere appreciation to the management of NASENI for this opportunity as well as the anticipated support toward achieving our set objectives,” he said.
Earlier in his remarks, the executive vice chairman/chief executive of NASENI, Prof. Mohammed Haruna who was represented by the coordinating director, science infrastructure, Prof, Umar Gaya said the mandate of the agency stipulates rendering of professional service to institutions and organizations where needed, adding NASENI had made several interventions in the areas of agriculture, health, power, education, transport and industries among others.
In a statement by the agency’s assistant chief information officer, Chinyere Obirah -Ekwuazi, said NASENI was willing to collaborate with the university as well as get it involved in reverse engineering and other areas that could ensure the development of the nation in terms of science, technology and innovation.
