RismadarVoice Reporters, May 26, 2026
The Nigerian Army has announced plans to strengthen its strategic partnership with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to boost local production of military hardware and enhance capacity in armament technology, drone warfare, robotics, and Artificial Intelligence.
Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, disclosed this on Tuesday while receiving the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc. Sunday Echono, at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would intensify collaboration with TETFund in sponsoring specialised training programmes for officers in emerging defence technologies as part of efforts to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on foreign military imports and promote indigenous defence production.
According to him, investment in human capital development and advanced military research remains critical to strengthening Nigeria’s defence capability and positioning the Army to effectively respond to evolving security threats.
“The Nigerian Army will further engage TETFund in sponsoring specialised training programmes for officers in armament technology, drone warfare, robotics, Artificial Intelligence and other emerging defence technologies,” the COAS stated.
He noted that developing local expertise in drone and armament technology would provide the intellectual and technological foundation needed for domestic manufacturing of military equipment and long-term operational sustainability.
The Army Chief also commended TETFund for its continued infrastructural and academic support to military institutions, particularly the Nigerian Army University, Biu (NAUB), and the Nigerian Army College of Management Science (NACMS), Makurdi.
He said both institutions remain vital in producing skilled manpower capable of meeting the operational and administrative demands of the Nigerian Army.
Highlighting the changing global security landscape, Shaibu stressed the need for a “whole-of-society approach” that integrates academic research, technological innovation, and military capability to effectively address contemporary security challenges.
In his remarks, TETFund Executive Secretary, Arc. Sunday Echono, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to deepening collaboration with the Armed Forces in advanced research, military intelligence, innovation, and emerging technologies.
Echono acknowledged the contributions of the Armed Forces to Nigeria’s educational sector through various military institutions and pledged continued support for initiatives capable of enhancing national security and national development.
The meeting signals a renewed push by the Nigerian Army to expand indigenous defence capabilities amid growing calls for self-reliance in military technology and equipment production.
