The Nigerian Army Education Corps has recorded significant strides in research and innovation, including the development of drones and Improvised Explosive Device (IED) disposal robots, its Commander, Brig.-Gen. Yushau Ahmed, has said.
Ahmed disclosed this at the 2025 West Africa Social Activity (WASA) of the corps held at the Command Children School Sports Ground, Yaba, in Lagos.
He said the corps had been contributing meaningfully to the nation’s economy through research, innovation and exhibition programmes, adding that its institutions recently gained continental recognition.
According to him, both the Nigerian Army College of Environmental Sciences and Technology (NICEST) and the Nigerian Army College of Education (NACOE) participated in the 2025 maiden African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit.
“This summit underscores the strategic relevance, recognition and status of the Nigerian Army Education Corps’ achievements in research, development and innovation exhibition during the period under review,” Ahmed said.
He explained that the corps’ research efforts span drones, IED disposal robots, smart armory systems and environmental monitoring technologies designed to support military engineering and enhance operational readiness.
Ahmed revealed that NICEST had been designated as one of the Nigerian Army’s focal units for research, development and innovation, with many of its outputs currently at prototype stage.
“These prototypes are awaiting funding for further testing and subsequent certification,” he said, highlighting the need for financial support to move the innovations to full operational deployment.
The commander also commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, for his support and confidence in the corps’ vision, particularly in driving infrastructural innovation across command schools nationwide.
He noted that improvements in infrastructure and security would enhance the learning environment, boost comfort and sustain high teaching standards through innovative policies.
Ahmed further said that students from command schools were deliberately integrated into research and innovation programmes to nurture talent from an early stage.
“Our students participated in the corps’ yearly research, development and innovation exhibitions, and at the 2025 African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit in Abuja,” he said.
He added that officers deployed to unit formations and private service institutions had continued to distinguish themselves in research and innovation, reflecting the commitment of personnel and the support of their families.
Speaking at the event, the Special Guest of Honour and former Corps Commander, Maj.-Gen. Kola Ogunkoya (rtd), praised Ahmed’s leadership, describing it as visionary and transformative.
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Ogunkoya said the ongoing reforms had laid a strong foundation for long-term progress and positioned the corps as a beacon of innovation and professionalism within the Nigerian Army.
He urged officers, soldiers and civilian staff to sustain the momentum, noting that the annual WASA celebration provided an opportunity to reflect on achievements, celebrate unity and renew commitment to excellence in the year ahead.
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