The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening scientific research, innovation and the commercialisation of locally developed technologies, urging researchers across the Agency to intensify efforts that will accelerate Nigeria’s industrialisation and economic transformation.
The call was made by the Director of the Nano Science Department, Dr. Chika Ezeanyanaso, while declaring open the NASENI Hybrid Scientific Engagement Programme: Science Perspective, organised by the Agency’s Science Infrastructure Directorate.
Addressing participants, Dr. Ezeanyanaso described the seminar as a strategic platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration and innovation, noting that research remains the foundation for developing technologies capable of addressing national challenges and boosting industrial competitiveness.
She explained that the engagement represents an expanded version of the department’s regular scientific seminar series, designed to encourage wider participation among researchers across NASENI’s various institutes and foster interdisciplinary collaboration.
According to her, the initiative provides an opportunity for scientists and engineers to exchange ideas, share research findings and generate innovative solutions that can be transformed into commercially viable products and technologies.
“This seminar provides an opportunity for colleagues to learn from one another and generate ideas that will support innovation and national economic growth,” she said.
Dr. Ezeanyanaso encouraged participants to engage actively throughout the sessions, emphasizing that scientific advancement thrives in an environment where knowledge is freely shared irrespective of rank or position.
“There is no seniority here; what matters is knowledge sharing,” she added.
She also expressed appreciation to the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, for his unwavering support in promoting research, innovation and institutional development. She equally acknowledged the contributions of the Overseeing Officer of the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Development Institute (AMTDI), Jalingo, Mr. Barkindo Abdulrahman Bawuro, for supporting the initiative.
A major highlight of the seminar was a presentation by Engr. Dr. Samuel Wadzani Gadzama, Chief Engineer at the Scientific Equipment Development Institute (SEDI), Enugu, who showcased years of groundbreaking research in nanoscience conducted by the institute since 2013.
Among the notable achievements presented was the successful extraction of nanocellulose fibre from pineapple leaves, a breakthrough that followed extensive laboratory validation both within Nigeria and internationally.
According to Dr. Gadzama, the innovation has significant commercial potential, particularly in the production of biodegradable plastics and other environmentally sustainable industrial materials, positioning it as an important contribution to Nigeria’s growing green economy.
In his vote of thanks, the Deputy Director of the Research Laboratory Department, Dr. Hassan Bakare, commended the Science Infrastructure Directorate for sustaining a platform that promotes scientific dialogue and collaborative learning among researchers.
He further advocated the creation of a joint scientific engagement platform involving both the Science and Engineering Infrastructure Directorates, noting that greater interdisciplinary collaboration would accelerate innovation, strengthen research commercialisation and enhance NASENI’s contribution to Nigeria’s industrial and technological advancement.
The seminar reaffirmed NASENI’s determination to transform research outputs into practical solutions capable of driving industrial growth, creating economic value and positioning Nigeria as a hub for indigenous science, engineering and technology innovation.
