The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and the African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja, have formalised a partnership to advance innovation, technology development and the commercialisation of research outputs.

The collaboration was sealed with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Abuja by the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, and the management of AUST.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Halilu described the agreement as a significant step toward strengthening institutional collaboration with measurable impact, noting that NASENI is committed to ensuring that research translates into practical solutions.

“NASENI is focused on innovation that targets the right audience and produces tangible outcomes. Our Innovation Hub was established to ensure that promising ideas are nurtured, supported, and scaled into usable technologies that contribute to national development,” he said.

He further reiterated the Agency’s readiness to work closely with universities and research institutions, stressing that sustained collaboration is key to bridging the gap between academia and industry. “This is your home, and we look forward to doing a lot of collaborations together,” Halilu added.

In his remarks, the President of AUST, Prof. Peter Azikiwe Onwualu, highlighted the long-standing relationship between both institutions, recalling past collaborations, postgraduate training programmes and joint initiatives that have benefitted NASENI staff and researchers.

The AUST delegation emphasised the need to renew and expand cooperation in line with emerging innovation priorities. Prof. Onwualu explained that the AUST Inspire Innovation Hub was established to tackle the persistent challenge of limited research commercialisation.

“We are changing the narrative from research done solely for academic promotion to research that ends in products, innovation, and real value,” he stated, referencing ongoing agro-waste conversion projects supported under NASENI’s Delta-2 programme.

Both institutions agreed to strengthen cooperation in innovation, technology transfer and human capital development. AUST also invited NASENI to participate in its international conference on innovation scheduled for April, where the Agency’s leadership is expected to be recognised for its contributions to advancing research commercialisation and innovation in Nigeria.