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The Nigerian Army said it will deepen strategic collaboration with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to boost local production of military hardware.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, said this on Tuesday in Abuja, when received the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Mr Sunny Echono, at the Army Headquarters.
Shaibu said the initiative was part of efforts to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on foreign military imports and strengthen indigenous defence production through targeted investment in research and human capital development.
He commended TETFund for its sustained support to military institutions, particularly the Nigerian Army University, Biu and the Nigerian Army College of Management Science, Makurdi.
According to him, the institutions remain critical to producing skilled manpower required to meet the evolving operational and administrative needs of the Army.
The COAS said that the army would further engage TETFund to sponsor specialised training for officers in key areas such as armament technology, drone warfare, robotics and Artificial Intelligence.
He noted that building expertise in these domains would position the army to effectively respond to modern security threats and operate at optimal professional standards.
“Developing indigenous capacity in armament and drone technology is essential to achieving self-reliance and sustaining long-term operational effectiveness,” he said.
Shaibu emphasised that the complexity of today’s security environment required a whole-of-society approach, integrating academic innovation, technological advancement and military capability.
In his remarks, Echono reaffirmed TETFund’s commitment to expanding collaboration with the Armed Forces in research, innovation and emerging technologies.
He acknowledged the contributions of military institutions to Nigeria’s education sector and pledged continued support for initiatives that would strengthen national security and drive development.
Echono noted that the partnership would focus on achieving strategic breakthroughs capable of enhancing both defence capability and national growth.
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