A moment that experts have characterized as pivotal for Nigeria within the global innovation landscape, the National Agency for Science and ...
A moment that experts have characterized as pivotal for Nigeria within the global innovation landscape, the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has made history by becoming the first African governmental organization to join the World Association of Young Scientists (WAYS). This achievement not only marks a significant milestone but also 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 assembly 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 access to a worldwide community of young researchers, funding sources, and partnership opportunities that can 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 tackle global issues like climate change, food security, and sustainable industrial growth. By organizing conferences, exchange initiatives, and the renowned Young Scientist Sustainable Development Goals Award, WAYS acts as a platform 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 recognized in discussions about innovation, technology, and sustainability on the world stage.
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 entire 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 quickly.
"The link between the government and the private sector is growing stronger, transforming policy into real-world results. This is how progress appears: policy combines with innovation, innovation connects with people, and people encounter opportunity," Halilu stated.
He stated that NASENI's involvement in WAYS demonstrates Nigeria's dedication to sustainable industrialization, fueled by clean technology, renewable energy, and green manufacturing—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 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 promote national interests. 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 seeking alternatives to oil reliance by focusing on knowledge-based sectors. NASENI's extensive experience in areas such as solar panel production, hydropower projects, agricultural machinery, and scientific equipment manufacturing 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. Thanks to 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 genuinely gain from worldwide technological advancements, it should focus on tailoring solutions to suit its environment, economy, and culture.
"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 ongoing strategy towards innovation.
Throughout the years, the Agency has focused on creating technologies that tackle regional issues—spanning from cost-effective housing designs and small hydropower systems for rural electricity supply to the production of accurate tools and scientific equipment for educational institutions and businesses.
Thanks to its new access to WAYS' extensive research ecosystem, NASENI can now incorporate these local innovations into global networks for expansion, evaluation, and market introduction. This will assist in closing the persistent divide between Nigerian prototypes and successful global products.
During his speech, Halilu also revealed the imminent introduction of ZeCo by NASENI, a major project scheduled for 2026, which will center on clean transportation, renewable energy technologies, 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 companies in the joint development of technologies that lower carbon emissions and support environmental sustainability. 'Nigeria's path toward Net Zero isn't merely a national goal. It is an international call to work together, innovate, and shape a future that benefits all,' Halilu stated.
Experts think this step might 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 pathway 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 centered around 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 establishing 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 collaborative efforts to update its operations 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 dedicated institutions throughout the nation, NASENI is fostering a new wave of Nigerian engineers prepared to excel on an international scale.
One of Nigeria's enduring issues has been the commercialization of research results. Although universities and research institutions come up with ideas, very few reach the market because of funding shortages and insufficient collaboration with industries. NASENI's involvement with WAYS would alter this situation by creating a route from prototype to marketable product.
Via WAYS's global innovation centers, Nigerian startups and researchers will get the opportunity to present concepts, 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 is also a victory for 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 further highlights how science and innovation can act as tools for diplomacy, creating connections where politics and trade frequently cause divisions.
By being a member of the WAYS Board, Halilu now speaks for not only NASENI but also the whole African innovation landscape, 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 UN Secretary-General of WAYS, Dr. Meilin Zhang, characterized NASENI's membership as 'a strong indication that Africa is prepared to jointly develop solutions, rather than merely relying on them.' He further mentioned that Nigeria's increasing involvement in global innovation networks would contribute to broadening global knowledge creation and advancing fairness in technology availability.
By joining WAYS, NASENI has transitioned from a national organization to a representative of African innovation worldwide. The Agency's emphasis on cooperation, environmental responsibility, and local customization establishes Nigeria as a significant participant in the global knowledge-based economy.
NASENI is ready to convert these global connections into real results—new technologies, employment opportunities, and sectors 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 transforming science into solutions that make a difference for individuals, communities, and the planet."
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
