NASENI and Gambia to Advance Technology, Skills Cooperation

The National
Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, NASENI, has commenced moves
to deepen technology development, Technical and Vocational Education and
Training (TVET), research, innovation, skills development and technology
commercialisation cooperation with the Republic of The Gambia, with both sides
agreeing to develop a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

This development
followed a high-level experiential learning visit by the Gambian Minister of
Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (GMoHERST), Professor Pierre
Gomez and his delegation to NASENI Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, August
12, 2026, during which the Agency showcased its technology ecosystem, research
capabilities and network of specialised institutes. 

The Gambian
delegation, which had earlier visited selected NASENI facilities, including the
Centre of Excellence and NASENI Solar Energy Limited (NSEL), among others, was
briefed on the Agency’s interventions across renewable energy, agricultural
mechanisation, electronics, power systems, advanced manufacturing, scientific
equipment, aeronautics, solid minerals, machine tools, drone technology and
other emerging areas.

Representing the
Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman
Halilu, the Director, Technology Business Development and Special Adviser on
General Matters to the EVC/CEO, Engr. Ozigi O. Benard said the Agency was
positioned to serve as a technology development, transfer and commercialisation
platform for Nigeria and other African countries seeking to build indigenous
technological capacity.

Engr. Benard
explained that NASENI operates through a network of specialised Development
Institutes providing an integrated platform for research and development,
prototyping, testing, manufacturing, technical training, technology transfer
and commercialisation.  He added that the
Agency’s strategic direction was anchored on the principle of 3Cs- Creation,
Collaboration and Commercialisation with increasing emphasis on taking research
outputs beyond laboratories and prototypes into the marketplace.

According to
him, NASENI had identified several areas with strong potential for cooperation
with The Gambia, including renewable energy and solar photovoltaic systems,
power electronics, embedded systems, industrial automation, agricultural
engineering, advanced manufacturing, scientific equipment, materials
development, aeronautics, drone technology, solid minerals processing and
technical skills development.

He further
disclosed that NASENI had strengthened its partnerships with universities,
polytechnics, research institutions and indigenous private-sector companies,
enabling the Agency to support curriculum development, technical training,
certification, joint research, technology development and the commercialisation
of locally developed technologies. He added that the Agency’s commercialisation
drive had recorded significant progress since the assumption of office of the
EVC/CEO in 2023.

Earlier, Prof.
Pierre Gomez said The Gambia was seeking to transform its higher education and
TVET ecosystem through practical learning, institutional partnerships and
stronger African cooperation. He said the delegation came to Nigeria to learn
from NASENI’s practical approach to research, development, manufacturing and
technology transfer with the intention of adapting relevant models to The
Gambia.

Other members of
NASENI team at the meeting include Acting Managing Director, Solid Minerals
Machinery and Equipment Development Institute (SOMMEDI), Professor Ikyo
Barnabas Achakpa; Overseeing Officer, Scientific Equipment Development
Institute (SEDI), Minna, Dr. Mahmoud Jafar; Coordinator Implementation Management
Office (IMO) and Special Adviser on Institutional Reforms, Mr. Yusuf Kasheem
and others.