Halilu: Human Capital Development Critical to Repositioning of NASENI

The Chief Executive Officer of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr. Khalil Halilu has stated that investing in human capital development and staff motivation remain the best ways of repositioning the agency into a power-house of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) at the global scene.

In his keynote address, at the opening ceremony of a five-day training for information, new media and protocol staff of the agency in Abuja, Halilu said that investing in staff training and development was vital for the success of any organisation.

 “We are building a new NASENI where one of the overarching goals is to have well trained employees with knowledge and requisite technical, vocational and management skills required for the Agency’s growth and technology advancement,” he stated.

Buttressing the mandate of the agency, the NASENI boss noted that the agency’s mission was to drive Nigeria’s rapid industrialisation through the new three Cs of Collaboration, Creation and Commercialisation.

He added that in the past four months since he took over the leadership of NASENI, the agency had embarked on new partnerships and collaborations aimed at turning NASENI’s over 150 scientific and technological prototypes, products and intellectual properties rights (IPR) into finished products.

“We have signed multibillion dollars, new Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) and revived old ones with international technical partners to establish coal-based fertiliser plant, Lithium processing and Electric Vehicle (EV) manufacturing plant,  Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for Agric afforestation, smart solar irrigation, tractor repairs and crop traceability for food security,” he further explained.

The Coordinating Director, Engineering Infrastructure, Prof. Bagudu  Gwadangaji, who was represented by Dr. Olayode Olasupo urged the information staff to adapt to new media and protocol strategies to ensure the continued success and relevance of NASENI.

Also, the Coordinating Director, Science Infrastructure, Prof Umar Gaya, stated that the theme of the training was timely as it will equip participants with necessary skills and tools to combat fake news which can affect organizations negatively.

In his welcome address, the Director of Information, Protocol and New Media Unit, Mr. Segun Ayeoyenikan, commended Halilu for making staff motivation, development and productivity top priorities in his agenda since he assumed the position as CEO barely four months ago.

He said in an era defined by rapid advancement, the training was a crucial step towards navigating the complexities of digital age.