The National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, through its National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, NCAIR, is to collaborate with the Nigeria security operatives in the manufacture of locally made military equipment to fight banditry and other forms of insecurity.
The initiative is also to provide first hand intelligence gathering to the Nation’s security architecture using technology and digital driven methods aimed to end to the incessant security threats in the country.
Director, National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, Ya’u Isa disclosed this when he received the Rector Nigerian Army College of Environmental Science and Technology, NACEST, Markudi, Benue State, Brigadier General Yahaya Abdulhamid at his office.
Garba noted that 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 Centre explore manufacturing of locally made military hardware that will be used in fighting criminal elements.”
The Director NCAIR explained that 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 can be manufactured at a low cost.
”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 pledged the support of the centre 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.
The Rector of the College, Brigadier General Yahaya Abdulhamid, said the idea to partner with the National Information Technology 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 said
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 described innovation as key to the attainment of any meaningful development.
“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 added.
