Musa Urges Strong Collaboration Between Academic Institutions, Security Agencies To Tackle Insecurity

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd), has called for stronger collaboration between academic institutions and security agencies to tackle Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.

He made the call on Friday 30 October 2026 at the commissioning of the CG Musa Security Management Hub at the TETFund Centre of Excellence, University of Ibadan.

The minister reflecting on the facility’s inception during his lecture on global fragility and security management at the university in July 2025 emphasised that lasting national security cannot be achieved through military force alone.

He said, “The battlefield may reveal the immediate manifestations of insecurity, but the university provides the intellectual environment to interrogate its causes, evaluate responses, and develop sustainable solutions.

“Having spent decades in military service, I have come to appreciate that effective security management begins long before the first shot is fired. We must anticipate threats long before they escalate into crises.”

Musa in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media Leah Kaltung-Babatubde reiterated that the federal government under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains resolute in strengthening national security through institutional reforms, enhanced operational capabilities, strategic partnerships, and evidence-based analysis.

He said, “We have stepped up our game in the field and are gradually improving the security situation. However, it is essential that every citizen plays a role through a whole-of-nation approach. As the saying goes, ‘if you see something, say something’.”

The minister envisioned the new Hub becoming a premier centre for rigorous research, strategic dialogue, professional development, and practical innovation.

He urged the university leadership to develop collaborative programmes involving scholars, military professionals, law enforcement agencies, policymakers, and technology experts, with special focus on intelligence analysis, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, conflict prevention, crisis management, and community engagement.

He expressed appreciation to key project facilitators, including Prof. B.A Aluko, Prof. Ayo Albert, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, personnel of the 2 Division Engineers, and the various university departments that ensured the successful completion of the hub.

He also paid tribute to the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor K.O. Adebowale, congratulating him on the successful completion of his distinguished tenure and wishing him well in his future endeavours.

Reaffirming his commitment to the institution, the Defence Minister assured that he would continue to support the University of Ibadan in advancing academic excellence and national security solutions.

Earlier in his submission, outgoing Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan Professor K.O. Adebowale expressed gratitude to the Honourable Minister for honouring the University’s request and delivering within the promised timeframe.