By Odita Sunday
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has called for stronger collaboration between universities and security agencies to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges through research, intelligence, innovation and evidence-based solutions.
Musa said lasting national security could not be achieved through military force alone, stressing the need to leverage academic research and intellectual resources to anticipate threats and develop sustainable responses to insecurity.
The minister made the call on Friday while commissioning the CG Musa Security Management Hub at the TETFund Centre of Excellence in Security Management, University of Ibadan, Oyo State.
Reflecting on the origin of the facility, which followed his lecture on global fragility and security management at the university in July 2025, the minister said the institution would provide an intellectual platform for interrogating security challenges and developing practical solutions.
“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,” he said.
Musa, who spoke from his decades of military experience, maintained that effective security management required anticipating threats before they escalated into crises.
“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,” he added.
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 defence minister also disclosed that the military had intensified its operational efforts, noting that improvements were gradually being recorded in the country’s security situation.
“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’,” he said.
Musa expressed optimism that the newly commissioned hub would develop into a leading centre for security research, strategic dialogue, professional development and practical innovation.
He urged the university management to establish collaborative programmes involving academics, military professionals, law enforcement agencies, policymakers and technology experts.
According to him, priority areas should include intelligence analysis, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, conflict prevention, crisis management and community engagement.
The minister commended the individuals and institutions that contributed to the successful completion of the project, including Professor B.A. Aluko, Professor Ayo Albert, the General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, personnel of the 2 Division Engineers and various departments of the university.
He also congratulated the outgoing Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor K.O. Adebowale, on the successful completion of his tenure, wishing him well in his future endeavours.
Musa reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the university in advancing academic excellence and developing solutions to Nigeria’s national security challenges.
Earlier, Adebowale expressed appreciation to the minister for honouring the university’s invitation and ensuring the completion of the project within the promised timeframe.
The commissioning of the CG Musa Security Management Hub is expected to strengthen the interface between academic research and national security operations, providing a platform for developing innovative responses to emerging security threats.
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