Otamere Gladness 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) commits to strengthening Nigeria’s defence research ecosystem, pledging support for the Defence Research and Development Bureau (RDB) to tackle national security and development challenges.
TETFund Executive Secretary, Arch Sonny Echono, makes the pledge during a meeting in Abuja on Friday with the RDB Director General, Rear Admiral K.J. Odubanjo, and his delegation. “As a country hungry for development, facing insecurity, unemployment and dependence on foreign technology, we must harness all available national resources,” Echono says.
He highlights the historic role of military research in global innovation, noting that technologies such as the internet and GPS originated from defence-driven research before transforming civilian life.
Echono says modern defence innovations, including drone applications for medical deliveries, show the value of building bridges between military institutions and academia.
He reveals that TETFund has created a dedicated military and defence research thematic area under the National Research Fund, while also backing federal efforts to commercialise research outcomes through new partnerships with the private sector.
Rear Admiral Odubanjo stresses that collaboration remains essential. “Progress is only possible when we work with the right partners. No institution can operate in isolation,” he says.
He explains that the RDB coordinates defence innovations while linking military research with civilian applications, citing successful projects such as a locally developed airboat and night-vision goggles already attracting interest from security agencies and state governments.
Despite funding constraints, Odubanjo expresses optimism. “With continued support from TETFund, Nigeria’s research capacity will grow stronger to confront present and future security challenges,” he says.
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