The Federal Government of Nigeria has commenced the construction of the Sustainable & Emerging Technologies Institute (SETI) at Bayero University Kano (BUK), marking a major step in advancing the nation’s technological and socio-economic development. The institute is being established under the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), The Presidency.
Speaking at the ground-breaking ceremony held at BUK’s New Campus on Friday, February 14, 2025, the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, emphasized that the institute will feature state-of-the-art facilities, including innovation hubs focused on Artificial Intelligence and other emerging technologies. The project, which will sit on 30 hectares of land, is expected to foster research, innovation, and industrialization in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.
“NASENI will fully build, equip, and support the new institute,” Halilu stated. He added that SETI is aimed at empowering young Nigerians to become innovators and entrepreneurs who will drive socio-economic transformation both locally and globally.
“We in NASENI are firm believers in the potential of young Nigerians to be the prime catalysts of the type of transformation that Nigeria requires. And we will do everything within our powers to support them to fulfil this important responsibility,” he said.
The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, who was the Special Guest of Honour at the ceremony, commended the initiative. He described it as a strategic move towards placing Nigeria on the global innovation map and fast-tracking industrialization.
“This project is not only laudable but also a clear indication of NASENI’s commitment to ensuring that Nigeria secures a strong socio-economic future through innovation and industrialization,” the minister remarked.
The Vice Chancellor of BUK, Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas, in his goodwill message, highlighted the significance of SETI in bridging the gap between government, academia, and industry. He noted that the institute would serve as a hub for sustainable development, youth empowerment, and job creation in Nigeria.
Beyond SETI, NASENI is also establishing an Agri-preneurship Training Hub at BUK’s Old Campus. This second project, covering 10 hectares, will feature modern greenhouses, facilities for soilless farming, and tissue culture, further reinforcing NASENI’s commitment to industrialization and economic growth.
NASENI expressed appreciation to the government and people of Kano State, the management and students of BUK, as well as the National Assembly, particularly the NASENI oversight committees in both chambers, for their continued support. Special gratitude was also extended to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to the success of the agency.
The establishment of SETI and other related projects aligns with NASENI’s operational principles of Collaboration, Creation, and Commercialization, reinforcing Nigeria’s path toward technological advancement and industrial prosperity.