NAF, AUST Explore Collaboration In Aviation, ICT, Defence Technology

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and the African University of Science and Technology (AUST) are exploring strategic areas of collaboration in aviation, information and communication technology (ICT), research and innovation to strengthen Nigeria’s national security capabilities.

The development followed a courtesy visit by the President of AUST, Professor Azikiwe Peter Onwualu, and his delegation to the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, at the NAF Headquarters in Abuja.

During the engagement, Onwualu commended the NAF for its efforts in protecting Nigeria’s airspace and highlighted the university’s expanding academic programmes covering degree, postgraduate and professional studies.

The discussions focused on how AUST’s academic and technical expertise could support the NAF’s evolving manpower and knowledge requirements, particularly through specialised education, research and innovation.

According to the NAF, the proposed collaboration could create opportunities for personnel development while facilitating the application of contemporary scientific and technological knowledge to aviation and modern airpower.

The Chief of the Air Staff welcomed the engagement and underscored the importance of credible academic institutions in supporting the professional and technological development of the Service.

The NAF said the discussions represented a step towards identifying practical areas of mutual interest that could strengthen expertise, promote innovation and enhance the Service’s capacity to effectively discharge its constitutional mandate.

The Air Force added that stronger cooperation between academia and the military could contribute to developing the specialised skills and technological capabilities required to address emerging security challenges and advance Nigeria’s national security objectives.