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Why military should exploit artificial intelligence for operational efficiency – CNS
The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, has called for the Armed Forces of Nigeria to exploit the potentials of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to achieve operational efficiency in their operations.
Ogalla made the call at the Second Quarter 2024 Defence Headquarters and Services Departments/Branches Transformation Seminar, hosted by the Nigerian Navy, on Thursday in Abuja.
The theme of the seminar was “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence as a Transformation Tool in Contemporary Military Operations”.
According to him, the seminar came at a time the armed forces was exploiting transformational and innovative initiatives towards enhancing operational efficiency in line with best practices.
Ogalla said the complexity of security challenges across the nation underscored the need for innovative strategies and initiatives, adding that emphasis had been on modernisation of hardware and equipment for enhanced national security.
He said the technological innovations required extensive application of artificial intelligence in conjunction with research and development.
“We are cautious of the fact that the application of artificial intelligence has permitted all spheres of human endeavor, particularly in the field of finance, medical, space, technology, agriculture, logistics, among several other areas.
“It is in fact the future of military operations and we must, therefore, ensure that the Armed Forces of Nigeria meets up with this evolving technological achievement.
“Our armed forces must, therefore, prioritise artificial intelligence in order to achieve the desired innovation and transformation for enhanced operational readiness and effectiveness.
“This is the desired goal which you, as leaders of the transformation branch of the various services, must work to actualise.
“I therefore encourage us to use these two days to brainstorm on critical issues and challenges in inherent in the application of artificial intelligence for improved operational efficiency.
“This is because everything that has advantages must have some disadvantages.
“So as much as we want to exploit the advantages of AI, we must also be able to surmount those inherent challenges and disadvantages that could arise from them,” he said.
The Chief of Naval Transformation and Innovation, Rear Adm. Michael Oamen, said the seminar was specially designed to explore viable options for integrating artificial intelligence as a veritable tool for improving operational effectiveness in the armed forces.
Oamen said it was aimed at identifying and encouraging innovations, as well as research and development with a view to building capacity and capabilities of the armed forces in support of national security imperatives.
According to him, the second quarter’s seminar has been programmed for two days to cover topics on artificial intelligence in defence transformation, a potential tool for enhancing operational efficiency in the armed forces.
He added that the second paper would be leveraging artificial intelligence for enhanced research and development towards transforming military operations lessons for the emphasis of Nigeria.
“It is hoped that proceedings from this seminar will serve as a veritable platform for charting workable strategies.
“This will improve the integration of artificial intelligent defence research and development, as well as drive transformational and innovative aspirations in the services,” he added. (NAN
Apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has condemned the arrest of businesswoman Aisha Achimugu at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
Achimugu was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Her lawyer, Chief Chikaosolu Ojukwu, who confirmed her arrest said , “Aisha Achimugu, who arrived voluntarily into the country from London, was arrested by the EFCC around 5 a.m. on Tuesday.
‘In light of what transpired in court on Monday, my client returned based on the undertaking before the court to honour the EFCC’s invitation, but was arrested at the airport.”
Ojukwu criticised the EFCC’s action, describing it as a violation of a court order.
Reacting, the National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike described the arrest as an affront on the judiciary.
Okwu said it was strange that someone who returned to the country in line with her own averments before the court could be whisked away in such a manner.
He stressed that, “we had thought that the EFCC has stopped such action but this manner of arrest speaks volumes.
“From every record available, Aisha Achimugu filed an affidavit in court to voluntarily report to the EFCC today, Tuesday, then appear in court tomorrow, Wednesday.
“It is then strange that having returned to the country on her own volition, the EFCC had to swoop on her at the airport despite the subsisting court order.
“This confirms our earlier fears that her trial is political and is totally unfortunate.
“We urge the EFCC to respect the sanctity of the rule of law by releasing her.”
Okwu urged the commission to resist the temptation of being used by politicians to fight perceived political enemies.
In a significant restructuring of its management, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd has terminated the services of a number of senior staff members, ELANZANEWS understands.
Among those departing immediately are Bala Wunti, former chief of National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), and Ibrahim Onoja, managing director of the Kaduna Refinery.
Also asked to leave was Lawal Sade, the chief compliance officer and former managing director of NNPC Trading.
They are believed to be very close to Mele Kyari, who was removed as group chief executive officer (GCEO) on April 2, 2025.
ELANZANEWS understands that over 200 employees have been impacted, marking the beginning of what may be a series of staff changes.
This restructuring has resulted in an increased representation of women in senior leadership roles, including the appointment of Maryam Idrisu as managing director of NNPC Trading — responsible for all crude oil transactions — and Obioma Abangwu as chief liaison officer for board matters.
TheCable further understands that the changes have been positively received by the staff.
The directors were sacked four weeks after Bayo Ojulari took over from Kyari.
Three days after he assumed office, NNPC appointed an eight-member senior management team.
News
2025/2026 Academic Session: Federal University Of Applied Sciences Kachia, Get 18 Courses Approval From NUC
By Tambaya Julius, Abuja
The National Universities Commission (NUC) has officially approved 18 full-time programmes for the Federal University of Applied Sciences Kachia (FUASK). The approval was granted by Nigeria’s National Universities Commission (NUC), positions the university as a beacon of advanced learning and practical skills development in applied sciences and technology.
The announcement was made by FUASK’s inaugural Vice-Chancellor, Professor William Qurix, via an official release issued by the University Registrar, Professor Sanusi Gambo, on Tuesday in Abuja. Professor Gambo said that the newly approved courses will commence with the 2025/2026 academic calendar.
According to the registrar the approved courses reflect a strategic response to both domestic and international workforce demands, particularly within the sectors of science, healthcare, computing, and architecture. “The introduction of these programmes will enable FUASK to equip students with the professional expertise and hands-on experience required for modern job markets” He stated.
The programmes which include:
Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery
B.Sc. Software Engineering
Doctor of Pharmacy
B.Sc. Information Technology
B.Sc. Computer Science
B.Sc. Cyber Security
B.Sc. Environmental Resource Management
B.Sc. Microbiology
B.Sc. Biotechnology
B.Sc. Anatomy
B.Sc. Physiology
Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science
Bachelor of Radiography
Bachelor of Health Information Management
Bachelor of Nursing Science (B.NSc.)
B.Sc. Architecture
B.Sc. Quantity Surveying
B.Sc. Industrial Chemistry
Speaking on the significance of the NUC approval, Professor Qurix expressed that the development marks more than just regulatory progress it is a clear indication of FUASK’s commitment to becoming a centre of excellence in applied scientific education and research.
“This achievement is a testament to our vision of delivering a modern, practice-oriented academic experience,” said Qurix. “It showcases our dedication to equipping students with innovative skills tailored to meet real-world challenges across vital sectors such as medicine, information technology, pharmacy, and environmental science.”
The Vice-Chancellor also emphasised that the approval wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering efforts of the university’s academic and administrative staff. He praised their dedication in working meticulously to ensure that FUASK met the strict standards required by the NUC for programme accreditation.