The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd.), has called for stronger collaboration between universities and security agencies to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
According to Leah Katung-Babatunde, the Minister’s Special Assistant on Media in a Statement, Musa made the call on Friday in Ibadan, Oyo State, while commissioning the CG Musa Security Management Hub at the TETFund Centre of Excellence, University of Ibadan.
The minister stressed that lasting national security could not be achieved through military force alone, noting that academic institutions have critical roles to play in researching the root causes of insecurity and developing sustainable solutions.
Reflecting on the conception of the facility during his lecture on global fragility and security management at the university in July 2025, Musa said effective security management required anticipating threats and addressing them before they escalated into crises.
According to him, while military operations address the immediate manifestations of insecurity, universities provide the intellectual environment for examining its underlying causes, evaluating responses and developing long-term strategies.
He said the Federal Government, under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, remained committed to strengthening national security through institutional reforms, improved operational capabilities, strategic partnerships and evidence-based analysis.
The minister, however, emphasised the need for a whole-of-nation approach to security, urging citizens to complement the efforts of security agencies by remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious activities.
He expressed optimism that the newly commissioned hub would emerge as a leading centre for security research, strategic dialogue, professional development and practical innovation.
Musa urged the university management to establish collaborative programmes involving academics, military personnel, law enforcement agencies, policymakers and technology experts.
He identified intelligence analysis, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, conflict prevention, crisis management and community engagement as critical areas the centre should prioritise.
The minister commended Professor B.A. Aluko, Professor Ayo Albert, the General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, personnel of the division’s Engineers and relevant university departments for their contributions to the successful completion of the facility.
He also congratulated the outgoing Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor K.O. Adebowale, on the successful completion of his tenure, while reaffirming his commitment to supporting the institution’s pursuit of academic excellence and national security solutions.
Earlier, Adebowale expressed appreciation to the minister for responding to the university’s request and ensuring the project’s completion within the promised timeframe.
