The army DG, who noted that as part of its cardinal mandate, the bureau has being in partnerships with different research outfits both within and outside the country. He also stressed that such partnerships would not be complete with out partnering with FUT, Minna. Highlighting the significance of research collaboration between the bureau and academic institutions to not only national security but also socio-economic development of the country, the DG further stressed the need for students engagement through research that are channelled towards supporting the defence sector, thereby preventing them from engaging with mischievous individuals in the society who might persuade them into insurgency, banditry and other social vices. “We are all aware of the threats in the country. One of which is about idleness and unemployment; and you have youths that have skills that could support national security. So, when we have students that are into research that will support the defence sector, we support and encourage them; and we believe in doing that, we would not allow mischievous to exploit these kind of youths,” he emphasised. Contd on Page 3 3 Published by Information & Publications Unit, Office of the Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Minna. 3 Other highlights of the visit include an interactive session between the delegation and group of researchers and principal investigators whom were drawn from across the University. Presentation of a plague and souvenir to the Vice-Chancellor, together with members of the delegation, as well as exhibition of the University research products. It may be recalled that following it creation in 2019, the DRDB act of establishment was assented by the former President and Commander in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari on February 7, 2023. As its cardinal mandate, the bureau is saddled with the responsibility of conducting and coordinating robust research activities and development of the Armed Forces. Other mandates of the Bureau as spelt out in act include, providing realistic defence policy for basic and applied research on defence items and equipment, initiate and coordinate the scientific, technological and environmental research activities of the Armed Forces, provide strategic direction for self-reliance and security needs, evaluate needs and lias with private and government research Institutions on defence related items and equipment. Other members of the DRDB delegation were, Director, Directorate of Test and Evaluation, Major General A.M. Garba, Director, Directorate of Maritime Research, Rear Admiral S.D. El-Ladan and Director, Directorate of Airspace Research, Air Vice Marshal I.H. Etukudo. Others include Director, Directorate of Administration and Logistics, Commodore A.A. Adesanya and Assistant Director, Directorate of Environmental Research, and Secretary of the delegation, Commander A.A. Adukanya.
