The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has unveiled a policy directing all its development institutes to prioritise internal patronage of NASENI’s technologies and products.
This move, the agency said, would ensure collaboration and boosting efforts toward the full commercialisation of the agency’s products and technologies.
The policy, approved by the executive vice-chairman, Mr. Khalil Halilu underscored the importance of internal endorsement and usage of NASENI’s products to build market credibility and strengthen internal collaboration. It marks a critical step in increasing the adoption and success of NASENI innovations in external markets.
In an internal memo sent to all acting managing directors and overseeing officers of NASENI’s development institutes nationwide, dated January 31, 2025, the new policy called for inter-institute patronage to support the agency’s commercialisation strategy.
The directive urges NASENI’s 11 Development Institutes, along with other emerging ones, to first prioritise the adoption of one another’s technologies, machines, equipment and innovations, as allowed by procurement laws, before releasing such products to external markets.
According to the circular, the commercialisation drive seeks to enhance inter-institute collaboration, foster patronage and strengthen the agency’s overall product strategy. It aims to support the commercialisation of innovations developed within NASENI institutes.
Additionally, the policy encourages the active promotion, integration and utilisation of products developed within the NASENI ecosystem. This approach will not only build internal confidence in the agency’s products but also help refine them through real-world applications before being introduced to external markets.
A statement from the agency’s director of information, Mr. Olusegun Ayeoyenikan pointed out key components of the policy, including:
All institutes must prioritize NASENI-developed products in their procurement plans, such as NASENI-branded laptops, especially when budgets permit. This initiative aims to create consistent internal promotion of NASENI innovations.
Each institute will run internal pilot programs to test products in real-world settings, providing valuable feedback for further product refinement.
Bi-annual events will be organized for institutes to showcase their innovations, share insights, and collaborate on integration opportunities.
Institutes are also encouraged to establish mini-showrooms in key urban locations to exhibit their products, as well as other NASENI innovations.
Training sessions will be conducted across institutes to equip staff with the skills necessary to use and promote products from other institutes effectively.
Internal Endorsement and Support for Partnerships:
Internal leadership will endorse the use of NASENI products, enhancing their market credibility for external commercialisation. Institutes are encouraged to prioritise products from existing partnerships, such as the NASENI-IMOSE collaboration.
A review mechanism will be implemented to monitor the progress and challenges related to product adoption. Regular reports from each institute will track product usage, feedback, and challenges faced, driving continuous improvement.
Under this new policy, NASENI expects to build stronger internal confidence in its products, enhance internal usage and validation and make its products more attractive to external markets. The initiative will also foster collaboration and support among institutes, facilitating the growth of one another’s innovations.
Other expected outcomes include:
– External Commercialisation model: Successful internal integration will provide a reliable model for external adoption.
– Improved product development: Continuous feedback will ensure that products meet high standards before market introduction.
