jasdooit

A pivotal moment for Nigeria in the global innovation landscape, as noted by experts, saw the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) become the first African governmental organization to join the World Association of Young Scientists (WAYS). This achievement marks a significant milestone and elevates Nigeria’s status as an emerging player in global sustainability and technology diplomacy.

The significant acknowledgment, verified during the Association’s 2025 annual general meeting held in Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China, officially positions NASENI among more than 60 national science organizations and research bodies influencing the future of youth-driven innovation and international scientific cooperation worldwide.

An organization that has invested more than three decades in advancing indigenous engineering and industrial capabilities sees this step as both recognition and a chance. NASENI now has direct entry into a worldwide community of young researchers, financial resources, and partnership opportunities that may accelerate the market readiness of locally developed technologies and offer a global stage for Nigerian innovation.

The World Association of Young Scientists (WAYS) is an independent organization that promotes youth-led approaches to address global issues like climate change, food security, and sustainable industrial growth. By organizing conferences, exchange initiatives, and the esteemed Young Scientist Sustainable Development Goals Award, WAYS acts as a facilitator and driver for international cooperation, inspiring young researchers to create effective solutions for common problems. NASENI’s participation, therefore, goes beyond mere representation—it signifies a new chapter where African institutions are increasingly contributing to the worldwide dialogue on innovation, technology, and environmental sustainability.

The Agency’s Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, who also made history as the first African member of the WAYS Board, referred to the advancement as a significant milestone for Nigeria and the continent.

At the 2025 WAYS Conference in China, during a keynote speech titled ‘Nigeria at the Heart of Global Sustainability,’ Halilu mentioned that NASENI’s increasing involvement with global innovation networks indicates that the connection between policy and practice in Nigeria’s science and technology field is strengthening more rapidly.

“The link between the government and the private sector is growing stronger, transforming policies into real-world results. This is how progress appears: policy connects with innovation, innovation interacts with people, and people encounter opportunities,” Halilu stated.

He stated that NASENI’s involvement in WAYS demonstrates Nigeria’s dedication to sustainable industrial growth, fueled by clean technology, renewable energy, and eco-friendly production—all driven by the innovation and vigor of Nigerian young people.

“Young Nigerians, your thoughts, your vigor, and your creativity belong at the global stage. The world is observing what we will create next. Let us progress as one,” he said, receiving applause from delegates from 60 member nations.

NASENI’s involvement with WAYS highlights a larger approach to science diplomacy—leveraging innovation and research cooperation to support national objectives. By joining WAYS, NASENI will have access to worldwide best practices, institutional collaborations across Asia, Europe, and the Americas, and chances for Nigerian scientists to engage in advanced scientific exchanges.

This advancement holds great importance for Nigeria’s plan to diversify its industries, as the nation keeps moving away from reliance on oil towards knowledge-based sectors. NASENI’s extensive experience in producing solar panels, developing hydropower, mechanizing agriculture, and manufacturing scientific equipment has created a foundation that may now evolve into a global innovation network based in Nigeria.

For many years, the Agency has focused on developing local capabilities via its system of specialized engineering and research institutions throughout Nigeria. With this recent global acknowledgment, it is now able to utilize its facilities and skilled workforce to draw in investments, research funding, and international collaborations that support Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the government’s Green Economy plan.

At the WAYS 2025 conference held in China, Halilu highlighted the significance of domestication—adapting foreign technology to align with local conditions and requirements. He contended that for Nigeria to effectively leverage global technological advancements, it should focus on tailoring solutions to suit its environment, economy, and cultural context.

“It’s not sufficient to just bring in technology. We need to adjust it. Domestication is the process through which we ensure global innovations serve our needs in Nigeria,” he said to the attendees. This viewpoint aligns with NASENI’s traditional method of handling innovation.

Throughout the years, the Agency has focused on creating technologies that tackle regional issues—spanning from cost-effective housing designs and small-scale hydropower systems for rural electricity supply to the production of accurate tools and scientific equipment for educational institutions and businesses.

Thanks to its new connection with WAYS’ extensive research system, NASENI can now incorporate these local innovations into global networks for expansion, evaluation, and market introduction. This will assist in closing the persistent gap between Nigerian prototypes and successful global products.

At his keynote address, Halilu also revealed the imminent launch of ZeCo by NASENI, a major project scheduled for 2026, which will center on clean transportation, renewable energy systems, and eco-friendly production methods. The initiative aims to support Nigeria’s goal of emerging as a regional leader in green innovation and circular economy practices.

‘ZeCo,’ short for ‘Zero Emissions Collaboration,’ seeks to bring together young engineers, startups, and businesses in the joint development of technologies that lower carbon emissions and support environmental sustainability. ‘Nigeria’s path toward Net Zero is more than just a national goal. It is a worldwide call to work together, innovate, and shape a future that benefits all,’ Halilu stated.

Experts think this step may place Nigeria at the forefront of green industrial development across the continent, particularly as climate funding and investments in clean technology are increasing globally.

In addition to the policy and institutional effects, NASENI’s participation in WAYS creates a new opportunity for Nigerian young people in the fields of science, technology, and innovation. The platform offers chances for learning, guidance, and access to international funding for research and development.

By connecting emerging researchers with global initiatives, Nigeria can more effectively tackle the issue of talent loss and offer motivations for its top intellects to remain and support the country’s growth.

WAYS provides various capacity-enhancement programs including innovation bootcamps, collaborative research fellowships, and international hackathons aimed at the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These will now be available to young Nigerians via NASENI’s partnership structure.

Founded in 1992, NASENI was created to support Nigeria’s industrial growth by offering the framework for scientific and engineering advancements. Its responsibilities include the creation of engineering materials, power systems, agricultural equipment, and educational and industrial scientific instruments.

Under Halilu’s guidance, the Agency has initiated various reforms and strategic collaborations to update its processes and bring them in line with international sustainability objectives. Through initiatives such as renewable energy programs and digital technology centers, NASENI is expanding the limits of what a governmental science organization can accomplish.

Its current initiatives involve the creation of solar cells and panels, mini hydro power stations, industrial automation systems, and studies related to aerospace parts. By means of its specialized institutions throughout the nation, NASENI is cultivating a new wave of Nigerian engineers who can stand out on the world stage.

A persistent issue in Nigeria has been the commercialization of research results. Although universities and research institutions come up with concepts, very few reach the market because of financial shortfalls and absence of collaboration with industries. NASENI’s partnership with WAYS would alter this situation by creating a route from prototype to a marketable product.

Via WAYS’s global innovation centers, Nigerian startups and researchers will get the opportunity to present ideas, establish collaborations, and obtain venture capital. This may assist in decreasing reliance on imported technologies and enhancing Nigeria’s local manufacturing sector.

NASENI’s membership also benefits Nigeria’s international reputation. It shows that African organizations, when well-organized and forward-thinking, can play a significant role in influencing the global scientific agenda. It also highlights how science and innovation can act as tools for diplomacy, creating connections where politics and trade frequently face obstacles.

By being a member of the WAYS Board, Halilu now speaks for not only NASENI but also the whole African innovation network, making sure that the unique development issues of the continent are considered in global research agendas.

At the Wenzhou meeting, attendees from China, Germany, Brazil, and India praised Nigeria’s active efforts to combine science with sustainable development. Representatives highlighted that NASENI’s focus on adapting technologies could serve as an example for other developing countries aiming to tailor global innovations.

The United Nations Secretary-General, Dr. Meilin Zhang, characterized NASENI’s membership as “a strong indication that Africa is prepared to collaborate on solutions, rather than merely relying on them.” He further stated that Nigeria’s increasing involvement in global innovation networks would contribute to broadening global knowledge creation and advancing fairness in technology access.

By joining WAYS, NASENI has transcended its status as a national organization, emerging as a representative of African innovation worldwide. The Agency’s emphasis on cooperation, sustainability, and local customization establishes Nigeria as a significant participant in the global knowledge-based economy.

NASENI is set to transform these global connections into practical results—new technologies, employment opportunities, and industries that enhance living standards and boost Nigeria’s economic stability. As Halilu states, “Progress isn’t solely about innovation; it’s about inclusion. It’s about converting science into solutions that make a difference for individuals, communities, and the planet.”

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).