Lagos: The Nigerian Army Education Corps Commander, Brig.-Gen. Yushau Ahmed, has emphasized the significant contributions of the corps to the nation’s economy through its research, innovation, and exhibition initiatives. This statement was made during the Nigerian Army Education Corps West Africa Social Activity (WASA) 2025, held at the Command Children School Sport Ground in Yaba, Lagos State.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, WASA is an annual event held by the Nigerian Army to foster unity and morale by bringing together soldiers, families, and civilians for cultural celebrations. These events, rooted in colonial-era traditions, feature cultural dances, traditional food exhibitions, masquerade displays, and the ceremonial lighting of a bonfire.
Ahmed highlighted the participation of the Nigerian Army College of Environmental Sciences and Technology (NICEST) and the Nigerian Army College of Education (NACOE) in the 2025 Maiden African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit. He noted that the summit underscored the strategic importance of the corps’ achievements in research and innovation, particularly in areas such as drones, Improvised Explosive Device (IED) disposal robots, smart armory systems, and environmental monitoring, all of which support military engineering and operational readiness.
NICEST has been designated as one of the Nigerian Army’s focal units for research, development, and innovation, with many research outputs currently at the prototype stage, awaiting additional funding for further testing and certification. Ahmed expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, for his support and confidence in the corps’ innovative ideas.
Ahmed also mentioned the deliberate efforts to involve students from command schools in research, development, and innovation programs, aiming to engage them from a young age. Students have participated in the corps’ annual exhibitions and the 2025 African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit in Abuja.
Maj.-Gen. Kola Ogunkoya (rtd), the Special Guest of Honour, commended Ahmed for his visionary leadership and efforts to reposition the Nigerian Army Education Corps. Ogunkoya emphasized the importance of such leadership in shaping the future of institutions and celebrated the WASA tradition as an opportunity to recognize shared heritage, diversity, and achievements.