The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Sonny Echono, has reiterated the agency's resolve to strengthen its partnership with the Nigerian Army in promoting education, national security, and technological advancement across the country.
Echono made the remarks during a courtesy visit to the Army Headquarters in Abuja, where he highlighted the importance of sustained collaboration between TETFund and the military in creating a secure atmosphere for educational institutions and national growth. He explained that the visit was also intended to acknowledge the military's vital contributions to national security and its growing involvement in supporting the education sector.
According to him, the Armed Forces have evolved beyond conventional security responsibilities to become key players in educational development and technological innovation in Nigeria. "We also want to recognise the important role the military is playing in the education sector, and we are eager to deepen our partnership with the Armed Forces," he stated.
Echono further stressed the significance of emerging technologies, noting that TETFund was interested in exploring innovations being championed by the military, particularly in areas such as robotics, artificial intelligence, and other modern technological advancements. He assured the Nigerian Army of TETFund's continued support in initiatives that align with the country's broader development objectives. "We want to reaffirm our commitment to supporting the Armed Forces in every possible way," he said.
Army Chief Seeks TETFund Support for Modern Warfare
In his response, the Chief of Army Staff, General Waidi Shaibu, appreciated the TETFund Executive Secretary for the visit and commended the agency for its interventions at the Nigeria Army School of Engineering, Makurdi, and the Nigeria Army University, Biu. Shaibu described the engagement as an opportunity to further strengthen cooperation between both institutions.
The Army Chief disclosed that the Nigerian Army was expanding its focus on modern warfare capabilities, especially in drone operations and armament production, but noted that inadequate skilled manpower remains a major challenge. "We are intensifying efforts in drone warfare and armament development and also sponsoring young people to become pioneers in these fields, but we still face shortages in the required manpower. That is why we are seeking TETFund's support," he explained.
He noted that the agency's intervention in intellectual and manpower development would be crucial in building local expertise in military technology and defence manufacturing. Shaibu also observed that Nigeria's dependence on imported weapons highlights the urgent need to develop indigenous production capacity. "The continued importation of military hardware will remain a challenge until we are able to manufacture our own equipment locally," he said.
He further praised TETFund for its role in improving Nigeria's education sector and underscored the need for sustained investment in human capital development. The partnership between TETFund and the Nigerian Army is expected to foster advancements in education, security, and technology, contributing to national development.
