Army Seeks TETFund Support For AI, Defence Technologies Training

Chief of Army Staff Waidi Shaibu has called for greater investment in human capital development and military research to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on foreign military imports and strengthen local defence production.

Shaibu made the appeal on Tuesday in Abuja while receiving the Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, Sunday Echono, at Army Headquarters.

According to the Nigerian Army, the COAS stressed that stronger collaboration between the military and academic institutions is essential for addressing evolving security threats and building indigenous defence capabilities.

He disclosed that the Army plans to deepen engagement with TETFund through specialised training programmes in emerging defence technologies.

The proposed areas of training include armament technology, drone warfare, robotics, Artificial Intelligence, and other advanced military technologies aimed at improving operational effectiveness and modern battlefield readiness.

Shaibu stated that contemporary security challenges require a “whole-of-society approach,” combining academic innovation, technological advancement and military capability.

He added that strengthening indigenous expertise would improve Nigeria’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing and operational sustainability.

The Army chief also commended TETFund for supporting military educational institutions, including Nigerian Army University and the Nigerian Army College of Management Sciences.

In response, Echono reaffirmed TETFund’s commitment to expanding collaboration with the Nigerian Armed Forces in research, military intelligence, innovation and emerging technologies.