The Nigerian Army Education Corps Commander, Brig.-Gen. Yushau Ahmed has said that the corps has been contributing significantly to the nation’s economy through research, innovation and exhibition programmes.
Ahmed said this at the Nigerian Army Education Corps West Africa Social Activity (WASA) 2025 which held on Saturday at the Command Children School Sport Ground, Yaba, Lagos State.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that WASA is an annual, end-of-year events in the Nigerian Army that promote unity and morale by bringing soldiers, families, and civilians together for cultural celebrations.
Originating from colonial-era traditions, these events feature cultural dances, exhibition of traditional foods, masquerade displays, and the ceremonial lighting of a bonfire.
Ahmed disclosed that the Nigerian Army College of Environmental Sciences and Technology (NICEST) and the Nigerian Army College of Education (NACOE) both participated in the 2025 Maiden African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit.
“This summit underscores the strategic relevance, recognition, and status of Nigerian Army Education Corps achievements in research, development and innovation exhibition during the period under review.
“These researches span in drones, Improvised Explosive Device (IED) disposal robots, smart armory systems, and environmental monitoring in support of the military engineering and the Nigerian Army operational readiness,” Ahmed said.
The Commander said that NICEST was presently designated as one of Nigerian Army’s research, development, and innovation focal units with most of its research outputs at prototype stages.
“These prototypes are awaiting funding for further testing and subsequent certification,” he said.
Ahmed appreciated the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu for his support and the confidence posed in him to pilot the ideas of the Nigerian Army Education Corps.
He said that he was particularly grateful for the special concern for the security and consideration of infrastructural innovations in command schools across geopolitical zones.
“This development will improve learning environment, enhance comfort, and broaden appeal for our schools as well as continue to maintain improved teaching quality through innovative policies,” Ahmed said.
The commander said that students from command schools were carried along in research, development and innovation programmes as deliberate efforts to catch them young.
“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.
Ahmed added that officers deployed in unit formations and private service institutions had continued to distinguish themselves in research, development, and innovation.
“These achievements reflect the commitment of our personnel and this would not have been possible without the understanding and support of our families and friends.
“I therefore appreciate everyone for their direct and indirect contributions towards projecting the positive image of Nigerian Army Education Corps and the Nigerian Army at large,” he said.
The Special Guest of Honour, Maj.-Gen. Kola Ogunkoya (rtd) thanked Ahmed for his visionary leadership and transformative efforts which continued to reposition the Nigerian Army Education Corps towards excellence.
Ogunkoya, who was the 19th Corps Commander, Nigerian Army Education Corps, said that Ahmed’s dedication and passion had laid a strong foundation for long-term progress.
“This will ensure that the corps thrives as a beacon of innovation and professionalism within the Nigerian Army.
“This transformational drive underscores the importance of visionary leadership in shaping the future of any institution.
“The WASA tradition which marks the conclusion of the year’s activities provides us the opportunity to celebrate our shared heritage, diversity and collective achievements,” he said.
Ogunkoya commended the officers, soldiers and civilian staff in the Nigerian Army Education Corps for their dedication throughout the year.
“Your efforts have ensured that the Corps remains at the forefront of fulfilling its mandate and supporting the Nigerian Army in all capacities.
“Let the achievements of 2025 inspire higher aspirations in 2026 and beyond and continue to shine as the torch bearers of excellence envisioned by the Corps founders,” he said.
