Nigeria's Minister of Defence, Christopher Gwabin Musa, has called on Universities across the country to make innovation, cybersecurity, and technology driven research central to their academic priorities, describing education as a critical component of the nation's security architecture.

Musa made the call on Thursday while delivering the Convocation Lecture at the combined convocation ceremony of Akwa Ibom State University, held at its main campus in Ikot Akpaden, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

The minister argued that the nature of global threats had fundamentally changed, with terrorism, cyber warfare, and other complex challenges demanding responses that go beyond conventional military capabilities. He maintained that universities must now serve as strategic Institutions producing skilled manpower, advancing research, and reinforcing national cohesion.

"National defence today is not solely the preserve of the armed forces," Musa stated. "It requires a whole of nation approach in which our universities serve as key drivers of innovation, research, and capacity building."

He pressed for structured partnerships between universities and defence Institutions, as well as deeper collaboration between academia, government, and the defence establishment. The minister identified cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and data systems as priority areas where academic programmes must be deliberately aligned with national security needs.

Musa further described the education sector as the backbone of sustainable development, stressing that national defence is a collective responsibility extending to all sectors of society.

Addressing the graduating students directly, he urged them to embrace discipline, innovation, and a strong sense of duty, encouraging them to apply their knowledge toward Nigeria's stability and progress.

The convocation lecture was attended by graduands, academics, and dignitaries from within and outside Akwa Ibom State. The statement was signed by Queeneth Iheoma Hart, Chief Information Officer, on behalf of the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Ministry of Defence.