The National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) and the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) have teamed up in a strategic partnership aimed at accelerating Nigeria’s industrialization and economic prosperity.
The was formulated during a recent meeting in Abuja between NSE President, Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntala, and NBTI Director General, Dr. Kazeem Kolawole Raji. The primary objective is to bridge the persistent gap between research innovation and industrial application, ensuring that engineering-led solutions contribute significantly to Nigeria’s national development.
During a courtesy visit to NBTI, NSE President, Engr. Margaret Oguntala, outlined the critical role of engineering in driving technological innovation, stating: “Engineering innovation cannot thrive without a structured incubation program, and incubation cannot succeed without engineering expertise. By working together, NBTI and NSE can fast-track Nigeria’s technological advancement, foster industrial growth, and ensure our nation remains a force in the global knowledge economy.”
She also called for NBTI’s support in reviving the Junior Engineers, Technologists, and Scientists (JETS) competition, highlighting that the future of Nigeria’s technological landscape depends on how well young minds are nurtured.
“Let’s use NBTI to catch them young and inspire the next generation of engineers and innovators,” she urged.
Engr. Oguntala also extended an invitation to the NBTI to participate in the NSE’s upcoming International Conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM), themed “Engineering Innovation for a Sustainable Blue Economy,” scheduled for December 1–5, 2025.
In response, Dr. Kazeem Kolawole Raji, DG/CEO of NBTI, reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to fostering industrial development through the Technology Incubation Programme (TIP). He lauded Nigerian engineers for their adaptability and resilience, citing their successful adoption of mobile telecommunications technology in Nigeria’s early years.
He stressed that engineering and scientific expertise are vital for Nigeria’s industrialization, particularly as the nation seeks to align itself with the BRICS nations and transition towards a knowledge-based economy.
Dr. Raji also affirmed NBTI’s strong focus on emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, and nanotechnology, asserting that engineers must be at the forefront of this technological transformation, rather than graduates from other fields.
“President Bola Tinubu’s administration recognizes that a knowledge-based economy rooted in research, development, and education is key to national progress. As the President aptly put it, he will ‘draw water from a dry well,’ knowing that science and technology hold the key to unlocking Nigeria’s full potential,” Dr. Raji stated.
Dr. Raji further highlighted the success of Nigerian entrepreneurs under the Technology Incubation Programme, noting that their innovations have earned international recognition, including the prestigious Zayed Sustainability Prize in the UAE.
Both the NSE and NBTI reiterated their commitment to fostering engineering-driven innovation, supporting the commercialization of research breakthroughs, and equipping young Nigerians with practical technological skills. This partnership is expected to play a crucial role in accelerating Nigeria’s industrial growth, strengthening its technology sector, and creating expanded economic opportunities for engineers and innovators throughout the country.
The National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) is a Federal organization dedicated to nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship in Nigeria. Its core objective is to provide a supportive ecosystem that empowers technology startups and businesses to thrive, fostering the growth of the Nigerian technology sector, driving economic development, and creating sustainable jobs.