Stakeholders in Nigeria’s education and security sectors have intensified calls for stronger collaboration between universities and the national defence architecture to address evolving 21st-century security threats.
This formed the central theme of the convocation lecture at the 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th combined convocation ceremony of Akwa Ibom State University.
Universities Critical to National Security — Defence Minister
Delivering the lecture titled “The Nigerian University System and National Defense in the 21st Century,” the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, underscored the strategic role of higher education in strengthening national security.
“Universities remain critical to national defence through research, innovation, and the development of skilled manpower needed to tackle emerging security challenges,” Musa stated.
He emphasized that modern security threats—ranging from terrorism to cyber warfare—require intellectual and technological responses driven by academic institutions.
Key Challenges: Underfunding, Brain Drain, Outdated Curriculum
The Defence Minister identified systemic barriers limiting universities’ contributions to national defence, citing chronic underfunding, brain drain, and curriculum gaps.
“Our institutions are constrained by inadequate funding, the continuous loss of skilled professionals, and academic programmes that do not fully reflect current security realities,” he said.
According to him, these gaps weaken the capacity of universities to produce solutions aligned with Nigeria’s defence needs.
Call for Policy Reforms and Investment in Education
Musa called for deliberate policy actions to reposition the university system as a key pillar of national security.
“We must invest more in education and create policies that actively promote research, innovation, and collaboration between academia and the defence sector,” he added.
He stressed that aligning academic output with national priorities would enhance Nigeria’s preparedness against complex security challenges.
Convocation Ceremony Draws Key Stakeholders
The lecture attracted members of the university senate, graduands, and the general public, forming a key highlight of activities marking the institution’s combined convocation ceremony.
