NASENI’s Science Kits For Schools: A Testament Of Resilience In Manufacturing

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has strengthened its capacity to explore production systems to manufacture science equipment for use in schools in Nigeria and it has achieved amazing results in recent times.

NASENI as an Agency of the Federal Government is the only purpose-built institution tasked with the responsibilities of carrying out research and developmental works, production and manufacturing of capital goods, machines and equipment, including establishment of pilot plants, reverse engineering of foreign technologies aimed at achieving industrial development of the country.

To this end, the Agency is intervening in the education sector by manufacturing science equipment for schools through its two divisions-the Scientific Equipment Development Institute, Minna, Niger State, SEDI-M and Scientific Equipment Development Institute, Enugu, Enugu State, SEDI-E.  The two institutions were established to see Nigeria phase out importation of science and laboratory equipment for schools and other uses.

The mandate of the institutes specifically is in the area of research, production and reverse engineering with special focus on developing systems for mass production of School Laboratory apparatus for Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Introductory Technology, Integrated Science, etc.; Scientific equipment for research, industries and higher institutions; Measuring and control instruments for electrical, electronics, mechanical workshops, artisans, etc industries and utility equipment; including the transfer of the developed production technologies to satellite industries (SME’s).

Both SEDI-M and SEDI-E are strategically positioned to serve the northern and southern parts of the country, and they have produced scientific equipment for schools, hospitals and industries which is contributing to Nigeria’s technological advancement.  NASENI’s two Scientific Equipment Development Institutes have five (5) well equipped standard workshops each to execute their mandate namely: Engineering Workshop, Glass and Allied Workshop, Ceramics Workshop and Wood Workshop.

The Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, has remained resolute in his resolve to lead Nigeria’s drive towards making the country one of the manufacturing hubs in Africa in the areas of production of science kits for local consumption and exports and to make the country self-sufficient in the same area.

The NASENI boss is mobilizing more funds including executing strategic plans for SEDI to build more state-of-the-art manufacturing and production systems to churn out more science and laboratory equipment for schools, hospitals and industries so that Nigerians would not need to import such equipment for students’ practical and other uses.

The negative impact of importation of science equipment and other materials to Nigeria is high but with NASENI’s institutes driving the bid to reverse the trend, the country with its enormous potential stood a chance of  changing the narrative through making things better and also reducing capital flights.

This has become even more necessary considering the current widening exchange rate gap between official and parallel markets.  The gaps exist because of the high demand for foreign exchange to execute high needs for import of goods and services into the country, not just scientific or laboratory equipment alone.

It is encouraging therefore that NASENI has taken such crucial steps to build more confidence in self-reliance for domestic production and manufacturing. The NASENI boss has deeply reflected on the socio-economic challenges facing the country as he expands the two SEDIs’ reach and also empowered the two institutes to produce more scientific apparatuses and other laboratory equipment to be transferred to the private sector for mass production and commercialization.

It is instructive to note that SEDI Minna and SEDI Enugu have been able to come up with various science kits such as the Junior Secondary Science Kits (JSK), Primary Science Kits (PSK) and other mathematical kits. The two SEDIs have reversed engineered much equipment by building things like plates, shaping machines, glaze-mixing machines, screen-printing machines and sheet metal-splitting machines. Other products of SEDI include ceramic wares, laboratory measuring cylinders, beakers, funnels, water dispensers and aspirator bottles.

Some of the Scientific equipment items also have been produced in plastic forms for easy handling by children in primary and junior secondary schools. Other delicate ones also are produced in glass form. Metallic objects like burners are produced from SEDI’s engineering workshop. Apart from laboratory equipment, SEDI has produced rulers, computer hardware, workstation and other teaching aids. These items produced by NASENI are now being distributed in secondary schools across the country to facilitate learning by pupils and students in secondary school.

The Primary Science Kit (PSK) is composed of 66 basic items required for teaching primary science. The kit helps the teacher and the pupils to demonstrate in practical terms which is the objective of primary science education. This kit enables the child to acquire basic skills, develop scientific attitude, helps in creating self confidence and reliance through problem solving activities. With this kit, a solid foundation is laid in science and technology for pupils.

To build on the solid foundation that was laid using PSK at the primary school level, the institute also produced another kit for the lower level of secondary school, Junior Secondary Science Kit (JSK) to make the students get rooted in science and technology. The kit is mobile and could be used in rural areas. Most of the experiments that are needed at junior secondary level are taken care of in the kit.

Also, the mathematical kit comes with 27 different solid shapes made-up of wood and labels accordingly to enable the teacher aid the pupil in identifying the shapes and calculate geometry.  Recently in Oyo state, south-west Nigeria, the state’s Education Trust Fund (ETF), in partnership with NASENI distributed science kits to public secondary schools in the state. The initiative aims to enhance the teaching and learning of science subjects by integrating practical applications with theoretical knowledge.

Speaking at the distribution event held at the ETF office in Jericho, Ibadan, the Chairman of the Fund, Barr. Abdur-Raheem Abdur-Rahman, stressed that the science kits would significantly improve students’ scientific understanding, ensuring they gain hands-on experience rather than relying solely on rote memorization.

The state in collaboration with NASENI expressed readiness to step up technological advancement and innovation rooted in science so that by providing practical learning tools, students will develop essential skills for the future. The NASENI kits will give a practical platform that would enable students to see, touch, and interact with scientific concepts, leading to better assimilation and application of knowledge.

NASENI’s partnership with stakeholders such as Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has promoted the use of mobile science kits (Primary science kits and Junior Secondary Science Kits) that were distributed in the six geopolitical zones of the country. NASENI’s SEDI also partners with serving National House of Assembly members to execute their constituency projects which include but are not limited to building of science laboratories, provision of science equipment and training of teachers on the use of  science equipment.

Finally, NASENI has further invested in the production of senior secondary schools’ science kits with simplified and mobile laboratories in that category that are efficient and cost-effective as well as building models that are eco-friendly. No doubt the Agency is revolutionizing Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education in Nigeria with its senior secondary school science kits and transforming STEM education across Nigeria with the innovative Senior Secondary Mobile Science Kit.

Designed to bring hands-on learning experiences to students in both urban and rural areas, this kit equips young minds with the practical skills and scientific knowledge they need to excel in a competitive future.  By empowering students to engage in real-world applications, NASENI’s Mobile Science Kits are the next step toward a brighter, tech-driven tomorrow that will put Nigeria at the forefront of the 4th Industrial Revolution.