LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Khalil Suleiman Halilu as the new Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI).
President Bola Tinubu appointed him into the capacity on Friday after terminating the tenure of Bashir Gwandu who held the position for just four months.
In the statement announcing his appointment, Ajuri Ngelale, special adviser to the president, said Halilu is expected to bring his significant experience as an innovator and technology expert to bear in this important new national assignment.
Here are seven things to know about the new NASENI boss:
1. Halilu was born on 29 October, 1990, into a lineage of traders in Kano and the oldest of five children. As a young man, Halilu once took to selling ice in his neighbourhood after he observed a shortage of electricity in a rather hot-weathered Kano.
2. He started his secondary school career at St. Thomas Catholic School in 2001–2003 after attending Rainbow Primary School in Kano from 1996–2006. He finished his studies at Prime College in Kano.
3. Halilu pursued higher education abroad, earning a Bachelor of science degree in Business administration at the University of Hertfordshire in 2009, and a master’s degree in International business in 2010.
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4. He founded several start-ups, including the CANs (Eco-friendly hub), Oya Oya Strategic Services Limited, and ShapShap Logistics Limited. Before venturing into the tech industry, Halilu dabbled in waste recycling, demonstrating his commitment to sustainable practices.
5. Halilu has served in various capacities throughout the course of his career, including as co-founder and CEO of KSH Construction & Design LTD in 2014; creative director/business developer at Africa Infotech Consultancy in 2015; operations manager at ZCET Global Meter Services Ltd; and chief operating officer at Scirrocco International Limited, a company which specialises in the manufacturing of tea and cold beverages. He was also the marketing manager at Gongoni Company Limited.
6. Halilu served on the board of Africa Infotech Consultancy, as well as the JIGS Environmental Services and Agro-Allied Ltd. Until his appointment as NASENI boss, he was the chairperson of MACE Nigeria Ltd.
7. He is a golf and polo sports lover. He is a member of the Abuja Polo Club, Nigerian Polo Association, Lagos Polo Club, and Kano Golf Club.