NASENI Institutes to Prioritize Internal Patronage for Product Commercialization
By Patience Ikpeme
The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has directed all its Development Institutes to prioritize using each other’s products before seeking external alternatives.
This move is aimed at strengthening collaboration within the agency and boosting the commercialization of its innovations.
A statement from NASENI, signed by the Director of Information, Mr. Olusegun Ayeoyenikan, confirmed that the policy was approved by the agency’s Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, Mr. Khalil S. Halilu.
The directive emphasizes the importance of internal endorsement and usage of NASENI’s products to establish market credibility and ensure the success of its innovations beyond the agency.
In an internal memo dated January 31, 2024, addressed to all Acting Managing Directors and Overseeing Officers of NASENI’s Development Institutes, the agency instructed its 11 institutes, along with newly emerging ones, to patronize one another’s technologies, machines, and equipment before releasing them to the wider market. This is to be done in line with existing procurement laws.
According to NASENI, the new policy is designed to encourage internal collaboration and practical usage of its products, which will help refine them before they are introduced to external consumers. Institutes are now required to prioritize NASENI-developed products in their procurement plans, including NASENI-branded laptops and other innovations, wherever budget permits.
To support this initiative, NASENI has introduced several strategies. Each institute will conduct internal pilot programs to test products in real-world conditions and provide feedback for improvement. Additionally, bi-annual product showcases will be organized to allow institutes to exhibit their latest innovations, share insights, and explore collaboration opportunities. Institutes are also encouraged to set up mini-showrooms in key urban centers to display their products.
Cross-institute training sessions will be held to ensure that staff members are well-equipped to use and promote products from other NASENI institutes. Leadership at all levels is expected to endorse and promote NASENI products, particularly those developed through partnerships such as the NASENI-IMOSE collaboration.
To monitor progress, a reporting and evaluation system will be implemented. Each institute will submit regular reports detailing product adoption, user feedback, and any challenges encountered. This will help the agency continuously improve its products before they reach external markets.
The new policy is expected to strengthen internal confidence in NASENI’s innovations, foster greater collaboration among its institutes, and create a reliable model for external commercialization. By refining products through real-world applications within NASENI, the agency aims to ensure they meet high standards before being introduced to the public.
