By Mansour Aliyu Hassan
In another giant step towards addressing security challenges bedeviling the country,the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, through its National Center for Artificial Intelligence Robotics and Robotics, NCAIR, is to collaborate with the Nigeria security operatives in the manufacture of locallymade military equipments to tackle insecurity.
The initiative was to provide first hand intelligence gathering to the Nation’s security architecture using technology and digital driven methods aimed at bringing an end to the incessant security threats in the country.
Director, National Center for ArtificialIntelligence and Robotics, Engr. Ya’u GarbaIsa disclosed this when he received the Rector Nigerian Army College of Environmental Science and Technology, NACEST, Markudi, Benue State, Brigadier General Yahaya H Abdulhamid at his office.
Engr Garba, while welcoming his guests said, NCAIR is among NITDA’s key drivers,established primarily to promote research and development on emerging technologies and their practical application in areas of national interest.
He said; “collaboration with the military will open huge opportunity for the Center to explore manufacturing of locally made military hardwares that will be used in fighting criminal elements”.
Garba informed his audience that, NCAIR as digital innovation and research facility, is focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics and Drones, Internet of Things (IOT) and other emerging technologies that can be deployed to a mission area so as to provide intelligence report which, he said,can be manufactured at a low cost.
He added that, the Center is also looking into the possibility of producing what they termed as ‘Digital Grenade’ that can be use with ‘Wireless Censored Network’ which will be utilize in detecting some vital information in the field during operations.
“NCAIR focuses on creating a thriving ecosystem for innovation driven entrepreneurship IDE, job creation and national development”, he explained.
Garba then assured the management of the Nigerian Army College of Environmental Science and Technology of his office’sunflinching support towards the realization of the mutual collaboration that will bring about a suitable environment for discovery and harnessing the abundant creative ideas of Nigeria’s teeming youth through the promotion of innovative technologies.
Earlier, the Rector of the College, Brigadier General Yahaya H Abdulhamid, said the idea to partner with the National InformationTechnology Development Agency was borne out of observing the serious impact the Agency have been making to Nigerians in areas of Emerging Technologies.
NITDA, as the nation’s apex IT regulatory body, is capable of enhancing the ability of the students of the Nigerian Army College of Environmental Science and Technology in areas of Innovation, Digital Literacy and Skills Acquisition of modern technology.
He emphasized that his students are eager to learn various innovative ideas so as to align with the present reality for the overall development of the country.
Brigadier General Abdulhamid describedinnovation as key to the attainment of any meaningful development. He called on NCAIR to fast track the process of incorporating NACEST into its plan.
“These are the things that you must embrace in order to achieve national security and development, as it is not an adventurous thing, but rather a must”, he submitted.
The visiting Nigerian Army College of Environmental Science and Technology,NACEST, entourage was conducted round the NCAIRs innovation laboratory, a make space and fabrication laboratory (FabLab) 3D Printer and Printed Circuit facilities.