FG launches construction of Emerging Technologies Institute in Kano

The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially commenced the construction of the Sustainable & Emerging Technologies Institute (SETI) at Bayero University Kano (BUK), marking a significant step in advancing the country’s socio-economic development.

The groundbreaking ceremony, held on Friday, 14th February 2025, was led by Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), under the presidency.

The new institute, situated on 30 hectares of land at BUK’s New Campus, will feature state-of-the-art facilities, including innovation hubs dedicated to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies. These will be supported by reliable power sources to ensure seamless operations.

Halilu emphasized that NASENI would fully build, equip, and support the new institute, which aligns with the government’s vision of fostering youth innovation and economic transformation.

“The establishment of SETI in Nigeria is a response to the global wave of young people revolutionizing economies through innovations,” Halilu said. He reiterated NASENI’s commitment to supporting young Nigerians, whom he believes will be key to driving the country’s industrialization.

“This institute will help transform the lives and careers of future generations, producing innovators, technologists, and entrepreneurs who will make their mark globally,” he added.

The ceremony also featured a message from the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, who hailed the project as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward innovation and industrialization.

Nnaji described SETI as a crucial initiative that would contribute to the nation’s socio-economic development and position Nigeria as a global leader in technological advancement.

Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas, Vice Chancellor of BUK, also praised the project, noting its potential to bring together the key pillars of economic development: government, academia, and industry.

He highlighted the event as the start of Nigeria’s pursuit of sustainable development, job creation, and youth empowerment.

In addition to SETI, NASENI is also establishing an Agri-preneurship Training Hub at BUK’s Old Campus. This facility will focus on modern farming techniques, including soil-less farming and tissue culture, on 10 hectares of land. These initiatives reflect NASENI’s mission to build capacity, advance industrialization, and support economic prosperity.

NASENI expressed gratitude to the government and people of Kano State, BUK’s management and students, as well as the National Assembly for their support. Special thanks were extended to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued commitment to the success of NASENI.