Gen Musa (Rtd) COMMISSIONS TETFund CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN SECURITY MANAGEMENT AT UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN
IBADAN, OYO STATE — The Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), OFR, has called for stronger collaboration between academic institutions, security agencies, policymakers and other relevant stakeholders to develop innovative and sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
The Minister made the call today while serving as the Special Guest of Honour at the commissioning of the CG Musa Security Management Hub at the TETFund Centre of Excellence in Security Management, University of Ibadan.
Reflecting on the origin of the facility, which followed his lecture on Global Fragility and Security Management at the University of Ibadan in July 2025, General Musa emphasised that sustainable national security cannot be achieved through military force alone.
«“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,” the Minister stated.»
He added that his decades of military service had reinforced the importance of proactive approaches to national security.
«“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 said.»
General Musa noted that, under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Federal Government remains committed to strengthening national security through institutional reforms, enhanced operational capabilities, strategic partnerships and evidence-based policymaking.
Highlighting recent efforts in the security sector, the Minister said the nation’s security agencies had continued to intensify operations while working to improve the overall security environment.
«“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 stated.»
The Minister expressed confidence that the newly commissioned Hub would evolve into a premier centre for cutting-edge research, strategic dialogue, professional development and practical innovation in the field of security management.
He therefore urged the University of Ibadan to establish and strengthen multidisciplinary collaborations involving academics, military professionals, law enforcement agencies, policymakers, technology experts and other stakeholders.
According to him, such collaborations should focus on critical areas including intelligence analysis, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, conflict prevention, crisis management and community engagement, among others.
General Musa commended the individuals and institutions whose contributions facilitated the successful completion of the project. He specifically appreciated Prof. B. A. Aluko, Prof. Ayo Albert, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division, personnel of the 2 Division Engineers, as well as the various departments of the University of Ibadan that contributed to the project.
The Minister also commended the outgoing Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor K. O. Adebowale, congratulating him on the successful completion of his tenure and wishing him continued success in his future endeavours.
Reaffirming his commitment to the University of Ibadan, General Musa assured the institution of his continued support for initiatives aimed at promoting academic excellence, strategic research and innovative solutions to Nigeria’s national security challenges.
Earlier, the outgoing Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor K. O. Adebowale, expressed appreciation to the Honourable Minister of Defence for accepting the University’s request and ensuring that the project was delivered within the promised timeframe.
He described the commissioning of the Hub as a significant milestone that would further strengthen the University’s contribution to research, knowledge development and national security.
Signed:
Leah Katung-Babatunde
Special Assistant on Media to the Honourable Minister of Defence
