In a recent development, President Muhammadu Buhari has directed Professor Mohammed Sani Haruna, the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), to immediately hand over his office to the next most senior officer in the establishment. This directive followed the reversal of the extension in office granted by the President from April 2, 2023 to April 2, 2025, due to the fact that the EVC had already completed two tenures of five years each in the organization.
The announcement was made by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), which stated that President Buhari appreciated the contributions of Professor Haruna in the development of the engineering infrastructure sub-sector of the economy, and wished him success in his future endeavors.
It is noteworthy that NASENI is a federal government agency responsible for the development of science and engineering infrastructure in Nigeria. The agency is tasked with the responsibility of conducting research, development, and promotion of technology transfer in the country. Professor Haruna was appointed as the Executive Vice Chairman of NASENI in 2013 and has been in office for ten years.
The decision of President Buhari to reverse Professor Haruna’s reappointment has been met with mixed reactions from Nigerians. While some have commended the President for upholding the rules and regulations guiding the appointment of government officials, others have criticized the move, stating that it would have been better to allow Professor Haruna to complete his tenure, considering the role he has played in the development of the engineering infrastructure sub-sector of the economy.
It is important to note that President Buhari has been committed to ensuring the growth and development of the engineering and technology sector in Nigeria. His administration has prioritized the development of science and engineering infrastructure in the country, as evidenced by the establishment of the Presidential Initiative on Science and Technology Innovation (PISTI), and the implementation of policies aimed at encouraging the growth of the technology sector.
While the decision to reverse Professor Haruna’s reappointment may be controversial, it underscores the importance of adhering to the rules and regulations guiding the appointment of government officials.
The move is also in line with President Buhari’s commitment to promoting transparency and accountability in government, as well as his determination to ensure that the right people are appointed to positions of authority in the country