By Harriet Tornguvan
The Nigerian Army has announced plans to deepen its strategic partnership with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to advance local production of military hardware and strengthen capacity in emerging defence technologies, including drone warfare, robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, disclosed this while receiving the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc. Sunday Echono, at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Army chief stressed that strategic investment in human capital development and advanced military research remains vital to reducing Nigeria’s reliance on foreign military imports and accelerating indigenous defence production.
Shaibu commended TETFund for its sustained support to military educational institutions, particularly the Nigerian Army University, Biu (NAUB), and the Nigerian Army College of Management Science (NACMS), Makurdi.
He noted that both institutions have continued to play a critical role in producing skilled personnel capable of meeting the evolving operational and administrative requirements of the Nigerian Army.
The COAS revealed that the Army intends to engage TETFund further in sponsoring specialised training programmes for officers in armament technology, drone warfare, robotics, AI and other emerging defence technologies.
According to him, such initiatives are aimed at positioning the Nigerian Army to dominate the modern battlespace and sustain professional, result-driven military operations.
Shaibu said the rapidly changing global security landscape demands a “whole-of-society approach” that integrates academic innovation, technological advancement and military capability.
He maintained that developing indigenous expertise in drone and armament technology would provide Nigeria with the intellectual and technical foundation necessary for local manufacturing of military hardware, while also strengthening national self-reliance and ensuring long-term operational sustainability.
In his remarks, TETFund Executive Secretary, Arc. Sunday Echono, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to expanding collaboration with the Armed Forces in advanced research, military intelligence, innovation and emerging technologies.
Echono acknowledged the longstanding contributions of the Armed Forces to Nigeria’s education sector through its tri-service institutions and assured that TETFund would continue supporting initiatives capable of delivering strategic breakthroughs.
He added that such partnerships would not only enhance national security but also contribute significantly to the country’s overall development.
