Matawalle launches DICON institute of technology, solar power project in Kaduna

The Federal Government has inaugurated the DICON Institute of Technology in Kaduna as part of efforts to enhance Nigeria’s indigenous defence manufacturing capacity and reduce reliance on foreign military equipment.

The institute was officially inaugurated on Wednesday by the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, who described the initiative as a major step toward building a strong military-industrial base capable of supporting the nation’s security needs.

According to Matawalle, the establishment of the institute reflects the Federal Government’s determination to achieve self-sufficiency in defence production by equipping Nigerians with the technical knowledge and skills needed to design, develop, maintain, and sustain critical military platforms and defence systems.

He noted that Nigeria has, for many years, depended heavily on foreign countries for essential defence capabilities, a situation he said has created both strategic and economic challenges.

The minister expressed confidence that the new institute would play a key role in producing skilled professionals who will drive innovation in the country’s defence sector and strengthen local manufacturing capacity.

According to him, the inauguration of the institute represents a major milestone in changing that narrative and advancing the country’s indigenous defence industrial base.

The minister commended the leadership of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), led by its Director-General, Maj.-Gen. Babatunde Alaya, for bringing the vision to reality.

He also praised the DICON Board, management and staff for their sacrifices and commitment to repositioning the corporation as the bedrock of Nigeria’s military-industrial complex.

He said the institute would serve as a vehicle for driving innovation and technological advancement in both defence-related and civil manufacturing sectors.

Matawalle charged the management and academic staff of the institution to work towards making it a centre of excellence in defence technology education and research.

“I urge you to partner with industry and academia to drive innovation and ensure that this institution becomes a hub where ideas are transformed into products and technologies that will serve the best interests of our nation,” he said.

The minister assured DICON and the institute of the Federal Government’s continued support in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that the government would provide the enabling environment, policy direction and resources required for the institution to achieve its mandate.

Earlier, the Director-General of DICON, Maj.-Gen. Babatunde Alaya, described the inauguration as the culmination of a vision aimed not only at manufacturing defence equipment but also at developing the human capital required to power Nigeria’s military-industrial complex.

He said the institute was conceived to bridge critical gaps in innovation, research and development, as well as production within the nation’s defence sector.

According to him, sustainable industrialisation can only be achieved through the development of indigenous human capital capable of driving technological advancement and innovation.

Alaya disclosed that the institute would train engineers, technologists, technicians and other professionals in defence-related disciplines while serving as a centre for research, development and innovation to support the operational needs of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies.

He added that approval for DICON to co-run the institute with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), along with its listing by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), had created a formal academic pathway into Nigeria’s defence industry.

The DICON boss explained that the institute would be fully integrated into the corporation’s strategic plan to become the nucleus of Nigeria’s defence industries, with adequate funding and partnerships to ensure research outputs are translated into tangible products and technological solutions.

He expressed optimism that the institution would emerge as a foremost centre of excellence in defence technology education, applied research and innovation, producing graduates with competence, character and creativity to strengthen Nigeria’s defence industrial capability and contribute to national development.

Alaya also appreciated President Tinubu for signing the DICON Act 2023, describing it as a watershed moment in the corporation’s history. He likewise commended the Minister of Defence, the Minister of State for Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff and the Service Chiefs for their support and strategic guidance.

Meanwhile, Matawalle inaugurated a 240-kilowatt solar inverter system with a 343-kilowatt-hour energy storage facility at Yakusak in Kaduna.

The solar-powered facility is expected to provide reliable, sustainable energy to support DICON’s operations and enhance productivity within its industrial and technological ecosystem.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by senior military officers, retired generals, members of the DICON Board and management, as well as stakeholders from the defence industry and academia.

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