Khalil Suleiman Halilu, the Executive Vice Chairman of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), is playing a pivotal role in fostering innovation and technological advancement in Nigeria. Under his leadership, NASENI has embarked on several groundbreaking projects, cementing its position as a key player in the nation’s research and development sector. One of the recent highlights is the collaboration between NASENI and prominent academic institutions, leading to significant advancements in science and engineering.
In a testament to NASENI’s commitment to supporting research, the agency recently showcased research and development (R&D) products from researchers at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomosho, Oyo State, and the Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna, Niger State. This initiative was funded by NASENI and marked the culmination of a collaborative effort that began in April 2023 with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by three distinguished professors from these universities.
Professor Abass Alade from LAUTECH’s Department of Chemical Engineering focused his research on the “Treatment of Aquaculture Waste Water Using Waste Banana and Plantain Stem Juice Composite Through Integrated Filtracoagulation Cascade System.” This innovative approach aims to address environmental challenges associated with aquaculture waste by utilizing sustainable materials.
Associate Professor Jimoh Oladejo Tijani from the Department of Chemistry at FUT Minna developed a “Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes-Iron Tungstate Composite for Industrial Wastewater Purification.” His research provides a novel solution for purifying industrial wastewater, which is crucial for environmental conservation and public health.
Dr. Sanusi Kolawole, from LAUTECH’s Department of Pure and Applied Physics, focused on the “Development of Nano-coating Green Urea Fertilizer for Agricultural Production Enhancement.” This research aims to boost agricultural productivity sustainably, addressing one of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges.
During the presentation at the Technology Orientation Centre (TOC) at NASENI headquarters in Abuja, the agency’s top management, led by research directors, witnessed the culmination of these innovative projects. Representing Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, Dr. Samuel O. Olusunle, a Research Director at NASENI, commended the researchers for their effective use of funds and for advancing scientific knowledge and technological development.
Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Professor Abass Alade expressed gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with NASENI, highlighting the key achievements of the projects. These include strengthening the linkage between academia and industry, developing facilities, acquiring new equipment and resources, and enhancing the human resources of undergraduates and postgraduates who participated in the research.
Professor Alade also called for further funding from NASENI to mass-produce and commercialize these products through a tripartite relationship between NASENI, academia, and private sector operators. This aligns with NASENI’s strategic vision to translate research into marketable products, thereby fostering economic growth and development.
NASENI Research Directors, Dr. Patrick Okwu and Engr. Prof. Abdulmalik Onuwe, expressed their appreciation for the partnership and emphasized the importance of expanding research deliverables to benefit Nigeria’s manufacturing sector. Dr. Okwu encouraged the researchers to include production costs in their next presentations to make the information more accessible to the general public.
In his vote of thanks, Dr. Bakare Hassan Oladipo, Deputy Director and Head of the Research Laboratory Development Department at NASENI, reiterated the agency’s commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration between Nigeria’s top academic institutions and NASENI’s R&D efforts. He acknowledged the support of Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu in facilitating these collaborations, which are crucial for the country’s technological advancement.
Khalil Suleiman Halilu’s leadership at NASENI has been instrumental in driving Nigeria’s innovation landscape forward. By nurturing partnerships between academia and industry, NASENI is not only enhancing scientific research but also contributing to the nation’s socio-economic development. The recent showcase of R&D projects is a testament to the agency’s dedication to creating a sustainable and technologically advanced future for Nigeria.
