From Juliana
Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Muhammadu Buhari has urged the officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces not to loss faith in democracy but uphold the oath they swore to the nation and help sustain it.
This is even as he has challenged the military to explore more scientific ways of dealing with current security challenges in the country.
Buhari, who was represented by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, gave the charge at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Kaduna yesterday at the combined passing out parade of regular set 64 and 65 as well as set 44 of the Short Service course.
The president who praised the management of the institution for adapting to recent realities, urged them to sustain the tempo.
“Let me of course also commend the management of the NDA for your efforts so far in adapting your curriculum and programmes to contemporary realities.
“I have been told of the recent paradigm shift in the academy’s training calendar, such that Naval and Air Force cadets now spend only four years in the Academy and then move to their respective bases, in place of the old system that saw them spend all five years in the Academy. By allowing them to spend their final year within their respective bases is a clear indication of the commitment to producing better-trained and better-prepared Naval and Air Force graduates,” he said.
According to President Buhari, the NDA was a hub of innovations, urging its management to sustain the culture in collaboration with the private sector.
He said: “Let me say that I am pleased to note that the NDA has itself been repositioning as a hub for innovation. I am already aware of inventions such as the Automated Pop-up target system, a multi-purpose combat mobile robot, and a perimeter surveillance robot, which the NDA has showcased at various science and technology exhibitions in the recent past.
“This is laudable and I urge you to sustain the culture. I would also like to urge you to collaborate more extensively with the private sector, for research and innovation. All around the country technology hubs are springing up that are attracting our brightest talents, and breaking new technological ground. I am convinced that the military should make its presence felt in this area.”
A total of 689 cadets graduated at the event, which had in attendance the Service chiefs, governors and traditional rulers among others.
Highpoint of the event was the presentation of awards by Osinbajo to Cadet A. B Bature, who emerged the overall best in both military and academic exercises and others who did well.