The African Technology and Innovation Institutes (ATII) participated in the 54th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), held from 5 to 7 October 2026 at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. Themed “Leveraging National Industrial Policy to Position Nigeria as Africa’s Industrial Hub,” the event brought together manufacturers, industry leaders, stakeholders, and students to discuss Nigeria’s industrial development.
ATII had an exhibition booth throughout the three-day event, where MAN leadership, industry stakeholders, students, and other visitors had the opportunity to learn about ATII, its work, and its technology offerings. Through demonstrations of emerging technologies, visitors also explored how technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR) can be applied in different fields. The booth provided a space for interaction, knowledge sharing, and conversations about technology innovation and its role in industrial development.
Day One: Welcoming MAN Leadership and Engaging Industry Stakeholders
The first day of the 54th MAN AGM provided an opportunity for ATII to engage with leaders and stakeholders within Nigeria’s manufacturing sector. At the exhibition booth, Prof. Rose-Margaret Ekeng-Itua, Ph.D., ATII’s Founder, welcomed and interacted with the leadership of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and other industry stakeholders. These engagements provided an opportunity to introduce ATII’s work and discuss its role in advancing technology innovation and supporting industrial development in Nigeria.
Throughout the day, ATII also welcomed visitors to the booth, engaging them in conversations about the organisation’s work in technology research and development, technology deployment, and capacity-building. These interactions allowed ATII to share information about its initiatives and how technology can respond to challenges within Nigerian industries.
Day Two: Encouraging the Next Generation of STEM Professionals
On the second day of the 54th MAN AGM, Prof. Rose-Margaret Ekeng-Itua, Ph.D., ATII’s Founder, engaged students from different departments of Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), including students pursuing mechatronics and other STEM-related fields.
She commended the students for choosing STEM disciplines and encouraged them to approach their studies with curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to think beyond conventional solutions. Drawing from the innovations showcased by manufacturers at the AGM, she highlighted the importance of thinking outside the box, pushing boundaries, and developing solutions that respond to real-world needs.
Prof. Rose-Margaret also urged the students not to be afraid of artificial intelligence or emerging technologies, but to embrace them and become digitally literate. She emphasised that many future jobs will be digital-based and encouraged them to prepare for the changing demands of the workplace.
Beyond technical knowledge, she stressed the importance of studying hard, persevering through academic challenges, seeking guidance from lecturers and professors, and connecting with supportive communities where they can continue learning and growing.
Reinforcing the importance of their role in the country’s future, she reminded the students that Nigeria needs their skills, ideas, and contributions. She encouraged them to believe in themselves, remain committed to their goals, and make Nigeria proud.
As part of the day’s activities, students participated in ATII’s QR code activity, and Chukwuemeka Christopher, a 500-level Mechatronics Engineering student at LASUSTECH, emerged as the winner of a Meta Quest 2 virtual reality (VR) headset.
Watch the full masterclass session with LASUSTECH students.
Day Two also featured a visit to ATII’s exhibition booth by H.E. Ambassador Philbert Abaka Johnson, UNIDO Representative/Regional Director in Nigeria. During the visit, Prof. Rose-Margaret demonstrated ATII’s work and discussed the organisation’s technology initiatives with him.
Day Three: Contributing to the Manufacturing Conversation
On the final day of the AGM, Prof. Rose-Margaret Ekeng-Itua, Ph.D., joined other industry experts for a panel discussion titled “Smart & Additive Manufacturing: The Key to Closing the Industrial Skills Gap.”
The discussion examined the role of smart and additive manufacturing in strengthening Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, with attention to the technologies, workforce skills, and collaboration needed to support industrial development.
Prof. Rose-Margaret’s participation extended ATII’s involvement beyond the exhibition floor to discussions about the future of manufacturing and the skills required to meet the sector’s evolving needs. The session also highlighted the importance of connecting technological advancement with workforce development to help prepare industries and professionals for changes in manufacturing.
Advancing Technology and Industrial Development
ATII’s participation in the 54th MAN AGM reflected its commitment to connecting technology innovation with Nigeria’s industrial needs. Through its work in technology research and development, technology deployment, consultancy, and capacity and workforce development, ATII continues to support practical approaches to addressing Africa’s industrial challenges and advancing the capabilities needed for sustainable industrial growth.