The Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), has emphasised the critical role of Nigeria’s university system in strengthening national defence and building long-term strategic resilience.
Speaking during the Combined Convocation Ceremony of Akwa Ibom State University at its main campus in Ikot Akpaden, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, the minister said the evolving nature of global threats demands a knowledge-driven approach to security.
General Musa noted that terrorism, cyber warfare and other asymmetric threats have significantly reshaped modern defence strategies, stressing that national security in the 21st century must be anchored on education, innovation, technology and human capacity development.
“National defence today is not solely the preserve of the armed forces,” he said. “It requires a whole-of-nation approach in which universities play a strategic role by producing skilled manpower, advancing research and fostering values that promote stability and cohesion.”
He called for stronger collaboration between the defence sector, government and academia to effectively address emerging security challenges.
According to him, there is a pressing need for sustained investment in education and the deliberate alignment of academic programmes with national security priorities, particularly in areas such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and data systems.
The minister also advocated structured partnerships between universities and defence institutions to build a modern, self-reliant and responsive national security architecture. He reiterated that safeguarding the nation is a collective responsibility that extends beyond the military to all sectors of society, especially the education sector.
Addressing graduating students, General Musa urged them to embrace discipline, innovation and a strong sense of duty as future leaders, encouraging them to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s stability, progress and prosperity.
The remarks were contained in a statement issued by the Chief Information Officer of the Ministry of Defence, Queeneth Iheoma-Hart.
