National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM),
Ile ife, Osun State, Nigeria.
Lead Paper Presenter (7)– Technical and Vocational Education, Industry Linkages, and Future of Work
Dr. Maruf Sanni is a researcher in Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) management, currently serving as Deputy Director of Research at the National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM), Nigeria. He holds a PhD in Public Policy from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), South Africa.
He brings a wealth of academic and practical experience, with a strong focus on low-carbon innovation development pathways, innovation systems, sustainable development, and evidence-based policymaking. Dr. Sanni has delivered lectures on topics such as open innovation, intellectual property management and commercialisation, sustainable energy transitions, and climate change adaptation, combining strong theoretical foundations with real-world policy insights.
He is one of the Nigeria’s National Contact Points (NCP) for Horizon Europe, where he provides guidance and support to researchers and institutions on accessing European research funding and building international collaborations. He is a frequent speaker on the Horizon Europe programme at both national and international events.
He also serves as the Secretary-General of the African Network for Economics of Learning, Innovation, and Competence Building Systems (AfricaLics), where he provides strategic leadership and oversees the activities of a network of researchers focused on innovation and development across the African continent.
Dr. Sanni is committed to mentoring students and early-career researchers, equipping them with the analytical and practical skills needed to address complex development challenges and contribute to knowledge-driven economies.
