The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has commissioned a drone training centre and flagged off construction of a skill development centre in Kaduna State to expand technical training and employment opportunities for young people.
The facilities were unveiled on Monday by Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, at Rigachikun in Igabi Local Government Area.
The event also saw about 450 households in the state receive NASENI home solar solutions, cookstoves and cash support as part of the agency’s efforts to deploy locally developed technologies to improve living conditions.
Speaking at the event, NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, said the NASCAV Drone Training Centre was established through a partnership between NASENI and Caverton following a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2024.
He said the partnership was designed to build local capacity in aviation through drone assembly, training and helicopter services.
Halilu described the commissioning of the centre, located at the Air Force Institute of Technology in Kaduna, as a practical outcome of the partnership, adding that two cohorts of drone pilots had already been trained in the state.
He said drone technology could support infrastructure inspection, environmental monitoring, emergency response and lawful security operations, but stressed the need for specialised training to ensure its effective use.
On the skill development centre, Halilu said the facility would provide practical and vocational training to equip young people with industry-relevant skills, promote entrepreneurship and support self-reliance.
He added that the centre would encourage practical learning, improve production quality among businesses and widen the participation of women and young people in technical careers.
The NASENI chief reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to its 3Cs of Creation, Collaboration and Commercialisation, saying the development of local expertise and stronger partnerships was essential to translating innovations into useful products and services.
In his remarks, Governor Uba Sani commended NASENI for siting the facilities in Kaduna, saying the drone training and skill development centres would help bridge the gap between young people’s aspirations and access to opportunities.
He also praised the agency’s achievements under Halilu’s leadership and thanked President Bola Tinubu for appointing him to lead NASENI in 2023.
The governor said the facilities would provide young people with practical skills to improve their economic prospects.
Halilu also acknowledged the support of the president and the Kaduna State Government, describing collaboration as central to NASENI’s contribution to national industrial development and the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The agency said the initiatives formed part of its efforts to ensure that home-grown technologies contribute to industrial growth and improve the well-being of Nigerians.
