The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and Finland University of Applied Sciences, Laurea, Republic of Finland have announced a collaboration on research, development and innovation in a bid to enhance growth in both countries.
The partnership will particularly focus on education, security and research institutions. The agreement was reached during a courtesy visit by the Finnish delegation to NASENI’s headquarters in Abuja.
The collaboration is a product of an earlier visit by a team of Nigerian researchers to Finland in 2021 to institutionalise research for development in Nigeria. NASENI is keen on engaging in international partnerships and collaborations with relevant organisations and institutions across the globe to globally reposition the agency.
During the visit, the overseeing coordinating director and acting executive vice chairman of the agency, Mrs. Nonyem Onyechi expressed her delight at the visit and welcomed the Finnish delegation on behalf of the agency’s governing board, management and staff. She assured the visiting research team that NASENI’s 12 operating development institutes and 12 upcoming ones will work effectively in compliance with the demand of the Finland researchers via the agency’s headquarters. She also appealed to them to avail NASENI of the available technology that is relevant to Nigeria’s national development paradigm.
The leader of the Finnish research team, Mrs. Harriet Lonka commended NASENI for its efforts in promoting science, technology and innovation. She stated that her team is in Nigeria for a one-week study visit and to seek possible areas of collaboration with the agency, particularly on technology and innovation for development. She also said that the Finnish government would like to work with NASENI and the Nigerian government in the development of research and innovation.
As part of its alliance with the global engagement on climate action for global sustainable development, NASENI has developed prototype equipment and machinery used in recycling plastic waste and turning them into wealth through one of its institutes, SEDI-Enugu. The agency is set to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between SEDI-Enugu and a Lagos-based private firm, Alon Green Recycling.
The partnership between NASENI and the Finland University of Applied Sciences, Laurea is expected to boost research, development and innovation in both countries, particularly in the areas of education, security, and research institutions.
A statement by the agency’s chief information officer, Mrs. Chinyere Obiorah Ekwuazi said the collaboration will be a significant milestone in the promotion of science, technology and innovation, which are crucial for sustainable development in Nigeria and Finland.
