Construction is underway for the Sustainable and Emerging Technologies Institute in Kano by FG.
The Construction of the Sustainable & Emerging Technologies Institute (SETI) in Kano State has begun by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI).
Nigeria's push for technological advancement and innovation-driven economic growth is being marked by the ground-breaking ceremony that was held at Bayero University Kano (BUK) New Campus on Friday.
The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, while speaking during the ground-breaking said the institute will be situated on a 30-hectare land donated by BUK.
He stated that the facility will have modern infrastructure, including innovation hubs dedicated to Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, and other cutting-edge technologies, and will be supported by reliable power supply.
The significance of innovation
The importance of human creativity, innovation, and collaboration in driving socio-economic development was highlighted by Halilu during his address.
According to him, SETI is designed to harness the potential of Nigeria's youth, who are transforming global economies with groundbreaking innovations.
“We at NASENI firmly believe in the potential of young Nigerians to serve as the primary catalysts for the transformation Nigeria urgently needs. We will do everything within our power to support them in fulfilling this vital responsibility,” Halilu said.
He added that the institute aligns with NASENI’s core principles of Collaboration, Creation, and Commercialization (the 3Cs), which are central to the agency’s mission of industrializing Nigeria in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.
SETI is expected to produce a new generation of innovators, technologists, and entrepreneurs who will make significant contributions not only in Nigeria but also on the global stage.
Halilu expressed optimism about the institute’s impact, stating, “I eagerly look forward to the day, not too long from now, when the first set of beneficiaries from SETI will astonish the world with their achievements. These success stories will place BUK, Kano State, and Nigeria on the global innovation map.”
Positioning Nigeria on the global map
The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, who performed the symbolic foundation-laying ceremony, described the project as a laudable initiative that will accelerate Nigeria’s position on the global map of innovation and industrialization.
He referred to SETI as an “ace project” and a critical driver of socio-economic development for the nation.
In his goodwill message, the Vice Chancellor of BUK, Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas, commended the initiative, describing it as a strategic vehicle for uniting government, academia, and industry—the three critical pillars of sustainable economic development.
He noted that the ground-breaking ceremony marks the beginning of Nigeria’s journey toward sustainable development, massive job creation for youths, and technological advancement.
Professor Abbas expressed BUK’s delight in hosting the institute, stating that it represents a significant step forward in Nigeria’s quest for innovation and industrialization.
