The Nigerian Army and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) have deepened ties to build indigenous capacity in drone technology, armaments and other emerging defence fields.
Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant‑General Waidi Shaibu made the commitment when he received TETFund Executive Secretary Arc. Sunday Echono at Army headquarters, Abuja. Shaibu said investment in human capital and advanced military research is key to reducing reliance on foreign military imports and accelerating local defence production.
In a statement by Army spokesperson Col. Appolonia Anele, Shaibu thanked TETFund for sustained infrastructural and academic support to military institutions, notably the Nigerian Army University, Biu (NAUB), and the Nigerian Army College of Management Science (NACMS), Makurdi.
He said both institutions are producing the skilled manpower needed to meet the Army’s evolving operational and administrative demands.
Shaibu disclosed plans for further collaboration with TETFund to sponsor specialised training for officers in armament technology, drone warfare, robotics, artificial intelligence and other emerging defence technologies. The aim, he said, is to position the Army to “dominate the modern battlespace” and operate at the highest professional standards.
Highlighting the changing global security landscape, Shaibu urged a “whole‑of‑society” approach that integrates academic innovation, technological advancement and military capability.
Arc. Echono reaffirmed TETFund’s commitment to collaborate with the Armed Forces on advanced research, military intelligence and innovation. He praised the Armed Forces’ contributions to education through tri‑service institutions and pledged continued support for initiatives that boost national security and development.
