The newly appointed CEO of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, has committed to achieving President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by utilizing Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) in the economy. He expressed this during his address to NASENI’s management and staff on September 4, 2023, following his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Mr. Halilu, a tech expert and entrepreneur, takes over as CEO, succeeding Dr. Bashir Gwandu.
He emphasized his market-driven approach and commitment to both technology transfer and domestic technology development, aligning with NASENI’s core mandate. He also emphasized the goal of utilizing innovation, science, and technology resources to benefit Nigerians and enhance the national economy.
He highlighted NASENI’s vital role in supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic agenda, including food security, poverty reduction, economic growth, job creation, access to capital, inclusivity, security, rule of law, and anti-corruption efforts. In the 21st century, he believes there are significant opportunities for Nigeria to excel in science, technology, engineering, and innovation, and he pledged that NASENI would play a central role in this technological revolution during his tenure.
The new NASENI CEO expressed his commitment to using the agency’s resources and capabilities to advance President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic development priorities, in alignment with the agency’s founding legislation. With over 4,000 staff members and various development institutes, NASENI is well-positioned to fulfill its mandate.
He urged the staff to dedicate themselves to their work and promised to prioritize their welfare. He emphasized his open-door policy, willingness to learn from staff, and his vision to transform NASENI into an employer of choice within the public sector, fostering a respectful and dignified workplace environment. He affirms that change is on the horizon, and all staff members will be integral to this transformation.
The CEO states their intent to adopt advanced technologies, develop a skilled workforce, and collaborate with various partners, including government agencies and the private sector, to align with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He also highlighted the wealth of talent among Nigerians worldwide and pledged to create an enabling environment to harness their expertise and fulfill NASENI’s mandate
Mr. Halilu, during a press briefing, expressed his determination to elevate NASENI’s role in economic development and generate products that boost the country’s GDP, a crucial goal amidst the current economic challenges. He emphasized the importance of technology transfer, considering Africa’s growing significance on the global stage.
The new EVC/CEO, Mr. Khalil Halilu, was warmly welcomed by the Agency’s top management, led by Mrs. Nonyem Onyechi, Coordinating Director of Planning & Business Development. They provided him with a tour of NASENI’s facilities and held an inaugural management meeting during which staff pledged their support for him and their commitment to NASENI’s positive impact on the economy.
Mr. Halilu, a seasoned entrepreneur and technology expert, has a strong background in business development, both locally and internationally. He holds a Master of Science (M.Sc) degree in International Business and a B.Sc in Business Administration from the University of Hertfordshire, UK. He has also honed his skills in Data Science from John Hopkins, USA, specializing in Database Administration, Big Data, E-Commerce, and Oracle Database Programming 10G.
Before assuming his role as EVC/CEO of NASENI, Mr. Khalil served on the boards and in advisory capacities for various successful companies, including those in China, Nigeria, and the United Kingdom. He has held leadership positions in companies such as ShapShap Technologies Ltd., KSH Construction & Design Ltd., and OyaOya Strategic Services Ltd., among others. His career spans a wide range of sectors, including technology, construction, and environmental services.
