By Nkechi Eze
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), OFR, has underscored the critical role of Nigeria’s university system in strengthening national security architecture and enhancing long-term strategic resilience.
General Musa stated this while delivering the Convocation Lecture at the Combined Convocation Ceremony of Akwa Ibom State University, held at the institution’s main campus in Ikot Akpaden, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area.
According to an official signed statement by the Chief Information Officer, Ministry of Defence, Queeneth Iheoma-Hart, the Minister highlighted the evolving nature of contemporary security threats, noting that terrorism, cyber warfare, and other asymmetric challenges have significantly reshaped global and national defence priorities.
He explained that modern security demands a knowledge-driven approach anchored on education, innovation, technology, and human capacity development, stressing that universities remain central to this transformation.
“National defence today is not solely the preserve of the armed forces. It requires a whole-of-nation approach in which our universities play a strategic role; producing skilled manpower, advancing research and innovation, and cultivating the values that underpin stability and cohesion,” the Minister said.
General Musa further called for stronger collaboration between the defence establishment, government institutions, and the academic community, emphasizing the need for sustained investment in education and the alignment of academic curricula with emerging security needs, particularly in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and data systems.
He also advocated structured partnerships between universities and defence institutions to support the development of a modern, self-reliant, and responsive national security framework, while reiterating that national defence is a collective responsibility that extends beyond the Armed Forces to all sectors of society.
Addressing the graduating students, the Defence Minister charged them to embrace discipline, innovation, and civic responsibility, urging them to contribute meaningfully to national stability, progress, and development.
