Bayero University Kano In Collaboration with NASENI Launches Sustainable and Emerging Technologies Institute (SETI)

Bayero University, Kano (BUK) has taken a significant step toward becoming a center for technological innovation with the groundbreaking of the Sustainable and Emerging Technologies Institute (SETI). The institute, spearheaded by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), aims to equip Nigerian youth with cutting-edge expertise in emerging technologies, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and smart manufacturing.

The groundbreaking ceremony, held on February 14, 2025, was officiated by the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Geofrey Nnaji. The event also had in attendance the Vice-Chancellor of BUK, Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas, and the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NASENI, Khalil Sulaiman Halilu.

Speaking at the launch, Chief Nnaji emphasized that SETI embodies Nigeria’s vision for a technology-driven economy, fostering industrial partnerships, research excellence, and sustainable development. According to him, the institute will nurture innovation, create job opportunities, and position Nigeria at the forefront of global technological transformation.

NASENI’s CEO, Khalil Sulaiman Halilu, highlighted that SETI aligns with the agency’s core principles of Collaboration, Creation, and Commercialization (Triple C). He stated that NASENI would not only establish and equip the institute with world-class facilities but also initiate a second project at BUK’s Old Campus. This additional project will feature a modern greenhouse for precision farming and a Tissue Culture Laboratory aimed at revolutionizing agricultural technology and food security.

The institute, covering 30 hectares at BUK’s New Campus, will be outfitted with state-of-the-art innovation hubs, artificial intelligence research facilities, and cutting-edge technology centers with a reliable power supply. The project is expected to drive economic growth and advance Nigeria’s industrialization goals by empowering young Nigerians with skills needed for the global economy.

Speaking on behalf of the University and the Pro-Chancellor, Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas expressed gratitude to the Federal Government, NASENI, and the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology for selecting BUK as the host institution for this transformative project. He noted that the initiative aligns with the university’s commitment to scientific research, digital transformation, and skill-based education.

“This project is a game-changer not just for BUK but for Kano and Nigeria as a whole,” Professor Abbas stated. “It will accelerate our journey towards technological innovation, industrialization, and human capital development, ensuring that Nigerian youth are equipped to compete in the global economy.”