The Nigerian Army and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (Tertiary Education Trust Fund) have agreed to deepen collaboration aimed at boosting indigenous capacity in armament technology, drone warfare and modern military innovation.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, made this known during a meeting with the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sunday Echono, at Army Headquarters in Abuja.
Shaibu said the partnership is focused on strengthening human capital development and advancing military research to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on foreign defence equipment while promoting local production of military hardware.
He commended TETFund for its continued support to military-owned institutions, including the Nigerian Army University, Biu and the Nigerian Army College of Management Sciences, which he said are producing skilled personnel for modern military operations.
According to him, the Army plans to expand training opportunities for officers in areas such as drone operations, robotics, artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies critical to modern warfare.
He stressed that current security challenges require a “whole-of-society approach,” where academia, research institutions and the military work closely to develop innovative solutions.
Shaibu added that building local expertise in defence technology will strengthen Nigeria’s self-reliance, improve operational efficiency and support long-term national security goals.
In response, TETFund Executive Secretary Sunday Echono reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting advanced research, innovation and capacity building in partnership with the Armed Forces.
He noted that the military’s educational institutions have continued to contribute significantly to national development and pledged sustained support for initiatives that enhance both security and technological advancement.
