L-R: The Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu; Vice Chancellor, Bayero University Kano, Prof Sagir Adamu Abbas and the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, laying a block at the ground breaking event of the Sustainable and Emerging Technologies Institute (SETI) at Bayero University Kano (BUK) New Campus on Friday, 14th February, 2025.
The Federal Government has taken a significant step toward securing the socio-economic future of the nation with the commencement of construction for the Sustainable & Emerging Technologies Institute (SETI). The groundbreaking ceremony, held today at Bayero University Kano (BUK) New Campus, marks a major milestone under the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), The Presidency.
The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, led the event, highlighting the institute’s mission to foster innovation and technological advancement. Situated on 30 hectares of BUK land, SETI will feature state-of-the-art facilities, including innovation hubs dedicated to artificial intelligence, robotics, and other cutting-edge technologies, all supported by a reliable power supply.
“NASENI will fully build, equip, and support this new institute,” said Halilu. “The future of socio-economic development for nations rests on human creativity, innovation, and cooperation. Artificial intelligence and robotics are at the core of this transformation.”
Halilu emphasized that SETI aims to harness the ingenuity of young Nigerians to revolutionize global economies. “We firmly believe in the potential of young Nigerians to be the catalysts of the transformation Nigeria requires. We will do everything within our power to support them in fulfilling this important responsibility,” he stated.
He further noted that SETI aligns with NASENI’s core principles of Collaboration, Creation, and Commercialization—the three pillars driving industrialization in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.
“I look forward to the day, not too long from now, when the first graduates of SETI will make groundbreaking contributions to the world. These innovations will not only put BUK on the global innovation map but also elevate Kano State and the entire nation,” Halilu added.
Performing the symbolic foundation-laying ceremony as the Special Guest of Honour, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, lauded NASENI’s initiative as a transformative step toward placing the nation on the global innovation and industrialization map. He described SETI as an “ace project” that will drive sustainable socio-economic development.
In his goodwill message, BUK Vice Chancellor, Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas, highlighted the institute’s role in uniting government, academia, and industry to drive economic and sustainable development. “Today’s event signals the beginning of a journey that will lead to massive job creation and sustainable development. Bayero University Kano is proud to host such a laudable initiative,” he said.
In addition to SETI, NASENI is also establishing an Agri-preneurship Training Hub at BUK’s Old Campus. Spanning 10 hectares, the facility will be equipped with modern greenhouses, soil-less farming systems, and tissue culture laboratories. Together, these projects reflect NASENI’s mission to build capacity, drive industrialization, and foster economic growth.
NASENI expressed deep appreciation to the Government and people of Kano State, the management and students of BUK, and the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji. Special thanks were also extended to members of the National Assembly, particularly the NASENI oversight committees, for their unwavering support.
Above all, NASENI acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his steadfast commitment to the agency’s success and for championing innovation-driven development.
The establishment of SETI and the Agri-preneurship Training Hub mark a bold step toward positioning the nation as a leader in technological innovation and sustainable development.
