In a surprising move, President Bola Tinubu has made significant changes at the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI). Dr. Bashir Gwandu, the former Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NASENI, has been relieved of his duties, and in his place, the relatively young Khalil Suleiman Halilu has been appointed to this important position at the age of just 32.
Here are seven key facts to know about Khalil Suleiman Halilu, the new CEO of NASENI:
Early Life: Khalil Suleiman Halilu was born in Kano State, Nigeria, on October 29, 1990. He is the oldest of five children.
Education: He began his secondary school education at St. Thomas Catholic School from 2001 to 2003 and completed his studies at Prime College in Kano. After graduating from secondary school, he attended the University of Hertfordshire, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 2009 and a Master of Science in International Business in 2010.
Career Start: Halilu commenced his career as an administrative assistant at Archimode & Associates after completing his education.
Marketing Manager: He took over as Marketing Manager at Gongoni Company Limited, a family business where his father, Alhaji Abdullahi Halilu, was one of the directors. Gongoni is a subsidiary of Scirrocco International Limited and specializes in producing tea and cold beverages.
Tech Enthusiast: Khalil Suleiman Halilu has a strong interest in utilizing technology and information systems to help businesses succeed.
Non-profit Organization: In 2018, he established the Centre for Civic, Welfare, and Community Development (CWCD Africa), a non-profit organization aimed at addressing various societal issues such as healthcare, education, the environment, global warming, welfare for refugees, migrants, internally displaced persons, sustainability, and inclusive development.
Zabe Mobile App: Halilu oversaw the development of the Zabe mobile app, which played a crucial role in the 2019 general elections in Nigeria. The app aims to decentralize electoral transparency and enhance democratic participation by providing real-time information to voters and ensuring fair and reliable election procedures.
Additionally, Khalil Suleiman Halilu has diverse interests, including golf and polo, and is a member of prestigious clubs such as the Abuja Polo Club, Nigerian Polo Association, Lagos Polo Club, and Kano Golf Club.
His appointment as the CEO of NASENI at a relatively young age reflects a changing approach to leadership and innovation in science and engineering in Nigeria. It will be interesting to see how he shapes the future of the agency.