Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing scientific research and innovation, with a renewed call on its staff to intensify research efforts that will drive technological breakthroughs and contribute to Nigeria’s economic development.
The Director, Nano Science Department, NASENI, Dr. Chika Ezeanyanaso made the call on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, while declaring open a seminar titled “NASENI Hybrid Scientific Engagement Programme: Science Perspective”, organised by the Science Infrastructure Directorate.
Addressing the participants, Dr. Ezeanyanaso described the seminar as a strategic knowledge-sharing platform designed to promote collaboration among researchers, stimulate innovation, and enhance the Agency’s contributions to the national industrialisation agenda.
She noted that the programme represents an expanded version of the department’s regular scientific seminar series, aimed at encouraging broader participation across the NASENI system.
“This seminar provides an opportunity for colleagues to learn from one another and generate ideas that will support innovation and national economic growth,” she emphasised, urging participants to actively engage with the presentations, stressing that scientific knowledge transcends hierarchy.
“There is no seniority here; what matters is knowledge sharing,” she added. The Director also expressed appreciation to the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, for his continued support for research and innovation.
She equally thanked the Overseeing Officer of the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Development Institute (AMTDI), Jalingo, Mr. Barkindo Abdulrahman Bawuro and reaffirmed the department’s commitment to sustaining the momentum of research for continuous scientific discoveries and technological innovation.
The seminar featured a presentation by Engr. Dr Samuel Wadzani Gadzama, Chief Engineer, Scientific Equipment Development Institute (SEDI), Enugu, who delivered an insightful overview of research activities undertaken since 2013 in the field of nanoscience.
In his presentation, Dr Gadzama highlighted a major research breakthrough involving the extraction of nanocellulose fibre from pineapple leaves which followed extensive laboratory testing both within Nigeria and internationally, resulting in the development of a sustainable material with significant industrial potential.
He noted that the nanocellulose product can serve as a valuable raw material for producing biodegradable plastics and other environmentally friendly applications.
In his vote of thanks, Deputy Director of the Research Laboratory Department, Dr Hassan Bakare, commended the Directorate for creating a platform that promotes scientific exchange and collaborative learning and advocated for the establishment of a joint seminar platform that would bring together the Science and Engineering Infrastructure Directorates to facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration, accelerate innovation and strengthen NASENI’s contribution to industrial growth and national development.
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