By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – The Director General of the National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM), Dr. Olushola Odusanya, on Wednesday outlined sweeping reforms aimed at repositioning the agency as Nigeria’s engine room for science, technology, and innovation (STI) policy development.
He stated this during a media interactive session held on November 26, 2025, where he emphasized NACETEM’s renewed mission to bridge research, policy, and practical applications for national development.
Odusanya reaffirmed NACETEM’s mandate as Nigeria’s foremost institution for STI policy research, capacity building, and advisory services. He said the Centre is driving a knowledge-based economy through evidence-based policymaking and strategic partnerships that translate research outputs into real-world solutions. The briefing provided updates on milestones achieved under his leadership and the strategic direction guiding the agency’s ongoing transformation.
A key highlight of the session was the announcement that NACETEM has fully digitized its internal operations, including the staff promotion system. According to Odusanya, this reform has eliminated the need for outstation staff to travel for administrative processes, significantly improving efficiency, transparency, and cost savings across the organization.
The DG also underscored the Centre’s leadership in shaping Nigeria’s national Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy discourse. He noted that NACETEM is actively steering conversations to ensure that the country adopts AI in a manner that is ethical, inclusive, and globally competitive, positioning Nigeria to participate confidently in the global digital economy.
On collaborative efforts, Odusanya revealed that partnerships with academia, industry, and government agencies have been strengthened to foster a robust national innovation ecosystem. This includes expanded postgraduate and professional programmes in STI management and broader engagement with universities and research institutions to revive Nigeria’s research landscape.
The DG highlighted two flagship programmes: the One Million Skills Training Initiative, which targets training one million Nigerians in technology management and innovation over five years, and the national welders training and certification project aimed at producing globally competitive welders, including underwater specialists, for the oil, gas, and marine sectors. These initiatives, he said, are essential to human capital development, technology transfer, and reducing reliance on expatriate expertise.
Odusanya acknowledged persisting challenges such as inadequate funding, infrastructure gaps, and low public awareness of STI’s role in national development. However, he stressed that these constraints present opportunities for innovation-led solutions, job creation, and stronger national resilience when approached through strategic partnerships and scalable programmes.
He concluded by calling on the media and stakeholders to support NACETEM through amplification, collaboration, and active engagement. “Our doors are open. Interact with us. Cross-check information from us. Let us remain partners in building Nigeria’s innovation future,” he said.
