Tertiary Education Trust Fund and the Nigerian Army have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening collaboration in education, security and technological innovation as part of efforts to advance national development.
The Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, made this known during a courtesy visit to the Army Headquarters in Abuja, where he highlighted the growing importance of partnership between educational institutions and the military.
Echono said the Nigerian Army had continued to play a significant role not only in safeguarding the country but also in supporting educational advancement and technological growth.
According to him, TETFund is interested in expanding cooperation with the military, particularly in emerging areas such as robotics, artificial intelligence and other modern technological innovations being developed within the Armed Forces.
“We also want to underscore the role the military is playing in our education sector. We look forward to deepening our collaboration with the military,” he said.
He added that advancements in technology require stronger institutional partnerships capable of building local expertise and strengthening national capacity.
Echono further assured the Armed Forces of TETFund’s continued support in initiatives aligned with education, innovation and national development priorities.
Responding, the Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, commended TETFund for its interventions in military-owned academic institutions, including the Nigerian Army School of Engineering, Makurdi, and the Nigerian Army University, Biu.
Shaibu noted that the Army was intensifying efforts in drone warfare technology and armament development but faced challenges relating to skilled manpower and technical expertise.
“We are pushing more in the area of drone warfare and armament development, and we are also looking at sponsoring children to become pioneers in these areas, but the requisite manpower is lacking,” he said.
The Army Chief stressed the need for increased investment in human capital development to help Nigeria build indigenous defence technology and reduce dependence on imported military equipment.
According to him, achieving self-reliance in defence production would strengthen national security and improve technological innovation across the country.
He also praised TETFund for its contributions to the transformation of Nigeria’s education sector and called for sustained collaboration in research, innovation and capacity building.
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