Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Arc. Sonny Echono has sought for greater collaboration with Nigerian Armed Forces in the forthcoming National Research Fair.
He made this request during the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa visit to the TETFund Headquarters in Abuja.
Echono expressed profound gratitude and appreciation to the armed forces for their sacrifices in keeping the country safe.
He acknowledged the military’s contributions to technological advancements, such as GPS and drones, which have significant societal impacts.
He emphasized the importance of encouraging military personnel in cutting-edge research for both military and societal benefits.
The TETFund Boss explained that the Research Fair was poised to translate research findings into practical goods and services, with experts from Israel, the European Union, and Brazil providing guidance.
While inviting the military to participate in the national research fair, Echono highlighted some benefits of their collaboration:
“We also know that the military have a very strong research component, so we see this opportunity again to renew our invitation to the military to participate at the fair participations for all Nigerians, including our schools and the military, will come at no cost to the participants.
“So we look forward to that collaboration your institutions also we had, as I told you when I came to your office, we stand ready to support the very we’re already doing some partnerships.
“And then we have a research project we are doing with NDA, for example, and I understand even your games you are doing. We are asking NDA to come into some partnership with you so that we can also support you in that regard, to ensure that we’ll be part of it.
“So welcome you for this return visit. We look forward to greater collaboration going forward. And as I said, the Nigerian military, we are very proud of particularly your leadership at this time”, he said.
According to him, the fair will cover the entire process of translating research into commercial products, including patenting and trademarks.
He mentioned ongoing partnerships and projects, such as a research project with NDA, and encourages further collaboration.
The CDS emphasized the importance of education in combating issues like insecurity and illiteracy, which can lead to manipulation and exploitation.
He highlighted the need for both kinetic (force-based) and non-kinetic (educational) approaches to address current challenges, with education playing a crucial role in long-term solutions.
The CDS acknowledged that non-kinetic methods, including education, play a significant role in solving the country’s problems, providing around 75% of the solution.
He stated that efforts are ongoing to ensure security for schools and the commitment to restoring peace and security in Nigeria.
General Musa commended the efforts and offers continued support, emphasizing their readiness to assist whenever needed.
He expresses gratitude for the leadership and acknowledges the progress made, emphasizing that while they are not at their desired goal, they are moving in the right direction.
The noted the importance of technological interventions in education, noting that they have benefited significantly from these innovations.
He assured that the military are always available for any support required, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and collaboration.
General Musa said ,” The country is going through so many challenges, and we know what education will do. With education, people cannot be enslaved with education.
“There will be awareness and enlightenment. Most of the issues, of course, those, some of the challenges we have with insecurity are caused by illiteracy. People being manipulated by some individuals, and because they don’t have a good understanding.
“But with education and enlightenment, they will be able to understand that look, they are being used, and they will not allow themselves to be used. And that’s why, for us, the kinetic and the non kinetic must go hand in hand, the kinetic being what we do using force.
“ But we’ve realized that with the current challenges we’re having, the kinetic cannot do it alone. It only provides 20 -25% of the solution. Most of the solution comes from the non kinetic. And education plays a very vital role in that, and that’s why we know it is you are very, very important to what is going on in ground, and the assistance you have, the support you have been given to the educational ministry, to educational system, has actually made a lot it will have been worse.
