The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has urged students in Nigerian tertiary institutions to harness research, innovation and patriotism to address the nation’s escalating security challenges.
Speaking on Thursday in Abuja at the Student Mentorship Summit, organised by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), General Musa, represented by his Special Adviser, Olusanya Bankole, emphasised that Nigerian students remain central to national development.
He observed that many of the world’s most advanced military technologies originated from universities, stressing that the role of Nigerian students in securing the country cannot be overstated.
According to him, “Across the world—from Israel to the United States—students drive research and development, including innovations like GPS and the first unmanned drones.”
He advised students never to limit themselves, noting that the federal government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has created more opportunities for young people, including access to interest-free loans through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
The minister stressed that mentorship must be coupled with patriotism, discipline and personal responsibility, emphasising that students are not only the leaders of tomorrow but leaders of today, as security is not solely a military concern but a concern for all.
He lamented that national insecurity has dire human consequences, recounting the experience of a woman rescued from Sambisa Forest who had endured multiple abductions and acts of violence, observing that her story underscores the urgency of tackling insecurity through a whole-of-society approach.
Musa said, “No country can absorb the refugee crisis that would follow if Nigeria fails. We must all be committed to defending this nation.”
He urged students to remain vigilant, share useful information with security agencies and emulate mentors whose values uphold integrity and service, stressing that Nigeria’s security depends not only on the armed forces but also on the collective vigilance and commitment of its citizens, particularly the youth.
The special assistant to the president on students’ engagement, Sunday Asefon, encouraged students to remain hard-working and focused to achieve their goals, assuring that President Tinubu is committed to improving students’ welfare and expanding access to quality tertiary education.
He highlighted key reforms such as the establishment of NELFUND for interest-free loans, greater youth inclusion in governance, and continued investment in education quality and retention.
Defence Minister Musa urges students to tackle insecurity with research, innovation, patriotism
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