By Adesakin Adefemi
The Defence Minister, General Christopher Musa (rtd.), has called on Nigerian students to harness research, innovation, and patriotism to tackle the country’s growing security challenges.
He made this appeal at the Student Mentorship Summit (SMS ’26) organised by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in Abuju.
General Musa was represented by his Special Adviser, Olusanya Bankole, who emphasised the crucial role students play in national development.
Bankole cited examples of advanced military technologies originating from universities worldwide, highlighting the potential of Nigerian students to contribute to the country’s security.
The Defence Minister stressed that security is a collective responsibility, saying, “Security is not only about the military. Security is local. Security is the people.” He urged students to be vigilant and share useful information with security agencies to address insecurity.
Bankole encouraged students to be proactive and take advantage of opportunities created by the government, including interest-free loans through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). He emphasised the importance of mentorship, patriotism, and discipline in addressing insecurity.
Hon. Sunday Asefon, Special Assistant to the President on Students’ Engagement, also advised students to remain focused and hardworking, noting President Tinubu’s commitment to improving student welfare and expanding access to quality education.
Asefon commended NANS for initiating the mentorship programme, describing it as timely and impactful. He said the government’s efforts aim to empower students to become leaders and contributors to national development.
The NANS President said the summit aimed to empower students with cross-sector mentorship, focusing on technology, aviation, oil and gas, security, and anti-drug/cybercrime advocacy. The event featured awards to notable Nigerians for their contributions to education and student welfare.
The summit’s theme, “Skybound Leadership,” reflects the aspirations of Nigerian students to achieve greatness and make a positive impact on their country. The event provided a platform for students to interact with mentors and learn from their experiences.
The Defence Minister’s message underscores the importance of youth involvement in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges. By leveraging innovation and patriotism, students can contribute to building a more secure and prosperous nation.
